Cook Shire comprises of over 115,000 square kilometres, making it the largest Council in Queensland and one of the largest in Australia. Accessing the majority of it requires a long trip. Each year Cook Shire invites Local Government Association of Queensland officers, Natural Resources and Mines officers and journalists to join Councillors and Council officers as they embark on a journey uncovering many of the hidden treasures and challengers that residents and visitors encounter everyday as they head north into Cape York and the Cook Shire.
Known in the Cook Shire as the Northern Tour, the 2005 trip began on a brisk Sunday morning in Cooktown. All vehicles were loaded up with supplies, tents, swags and other necessities before fuelling up and heading south towards Lakeland, then north to Laura and the famous Musgrave Road House before stopping for the night and a town meeting at Coen.
Over the next few days, 23 Northern Tour participants visited some magical places, many of them not known to travellers, including Portland Roads, which has been described as a tropical paradise, the wonder of Fruit Bat and Elliot Falls and the serenity of Seisa and Thursday Island. Some localities have their own small Community Councils. The tour includes meetings with them, exchanging ideas and stories and giving tour participants an insight to Local Government in very remote areas.
The Shire also took the opportunity to meet with residents of Portland Roads, where tourism is ever increasing.
“The northern trip is undertaken each year and is a great way for all of us to get in touch with our vast region and ratepayers” said Cook Shire Mayor, Bob Sullivan. “Councillors, officers and guests all have a great time and it gives them a chance to give the four wheel drives a work out. We love our Shire and region and take pride in its growth and development over the years. I encourage anyone that hasn’t been up to the Cape to load up and head off, it really is a wonderful experience.”
The cost of this year’s trip was $150 including food and accommodation. Participants supplied their own vehicles and petrol. While plans for next year’s trip are still underway, it is expected to take place in July or August.
For further information contact Bob Norris, Executive Assistant, on (07) 4069 5444.
