A sour start to the year for Cooktown after multiple community properties were found vandalised on 5 January. Photo: Cook Shire Council.
Cooktown has had a not-so-happy start to the new year after multiple community spaces were vandalised in what Cook Shire Council has called a “brazen act of destruction”.
Council crews discovered on 5 January that individuals had broken security chains and bollards at Queen’s Oval before performing burnouts on the cricket pitch.
The vandalism also extended to additional locations, including John Street Oval, behind the Events Centre, the Charlotte Street roundabout, the vicinity of the dog park, and near Keatings Lagoon.
“This is a disappointing way to start 2026,” Cook Shire Council CEO Brian Joiner said.
“These are facilities that our entire community takes pride in and relies upon.
“The deliberate destruction of public property is not only illegal, but shows complete disregard for fellow community members.”
Council expressed deep disappointment in the acts, reporting that the cost of repairing damages would ultimately be borne by taxpayer funds that could otherwise be directed toward essential community services and infrastructure improvements.
CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify the vehicles and individuals responsible, with findings to be provided to Queensland Police.
Council strongly encourages anyone who saw, heard, or has any information about these incidents – or any acts of vandalism across the shire – to report it directly to Queensland Police.
Security chains broken at Queen’s Oval discovered on 5 January. Photo: Cook Shire Council.
