New Cooktown Foreshore to deliver tourism and economic boost to FNQ

The revamped Cooktown Foreshore featuring a water park and fishing platforms is ready for families, locals and visitors to enjoy thanks to $4 million in funding from the Palaszczuk Government.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott today officially opened the new foreshore activity precinct, which is part of a major transformation of the Cooktown waterfront.
 
“I am delighted to be in Cooktown to open this fantastic foreshore redevelopment which is set to be a great hit with families and visitors to this beautiful part of Queensland,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
 
“It is a clear winner for Cook Shire and I congratulate Mayor Peter Scott, the councillors and council workers on this project which will boost tourism and provide a great place for locals and visitors to enjoy.
 
“The Member for Cook Cynthia Lui has been a great advocate for this important transformation of the Cooktown waterfront, which is set to become a greatly valued tourism drawcard for Far North Queensland.”
 
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said there was good news for local jobs, with Cook Shire Council estimating 100 jobs were created or supported during construction of the foreshore.

“There will also be ongoing jobs, including events management and the upkeep of the parks and gardens,” Ms Lui said.

“Local and domestic visitors are on the rise in the region, and the redeveloped foreshore provides yet another great reason to visit this part of the Far North.

“Tourism, jobs and the local economy are going to be the big winners from this project, along with the visitors who will enjoy Cooktown’s new waterfront.”

State Development Minister Cameron Dick said livability in the region had been boosted enormously by the project.

“This transformation really promotes an active and social lifestyle, to the advantage of local residents and tourists to this part of Queensland,” Mr Dick said.

“It’s a redevelopment that enhances everything great about Cooktown, and will deliver wonderful benefits to the town for generations to come.”

Cook Shire Mayor Cr Peter Scott said it had been a long road to the completion of the foreshore revitalisation, but it had been worth the wait.
 
“The facilities that this foreshore offers such as the children’s water park, BBQ facilities and fishing platforms will fast become a favourite place for local families and visitors,” Cr Scott said.
 
“Along with the community friendly facilities, the plan comprises a large section of reclaimed land at the mouth of the Endeavour River with a seawall now offering protection from future storm erosion.”
 
The Cooktown Foreshore Activity Precinct on Webber Esplanade is one of four precincts in the Cook Shire’s Waterfront Master Plan.
 
Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548