Overview

The Queensland Government has released the design for the proposed new Cooktown Pontoon (Charlotte Street) project.

The proposed project will deliver a new pontoon on the Endeavour River, opposite Lions Park, providing a convenient access point for small craft users near local amenities. It will reduce congestion, improve safety, and keep the Cooktown boat ramp free for larger vessels.

An online community information session will be held to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions, following the cancellation of the in-person session due to Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

Consultation has been extended and will now close on Sunday 26 April 2026.

Online community information session:

We are inviting feedback to help confirm the pontoon meets the needs and priorities of the Cooktown community.

As with all waterways in Far North Queensland, people are encouraged to remain croc-smart when using the Endeavour River and to take care near the water at all times.

Map of the proposed pontoon adjacent to the southern end of Lions Park in Cooktown. The map shows the design and measurements of the proposed pontoon. Two smaller maps to the right indicate the location of the proposed pontoon.

Cooktown Pontoon (Charlotte Street) - proposed design

Proposed concept design

The proposed location for the Cooktown Pontoon (Charlotte Street) is on the Endeavour River opposite Lions Park, providing a convenient access point for small craft users near local amenities. It is expected to reduce congestion, improve safety, and help keep the Cooktown boat ramp available for larger vessels.

Project features:

  • A new 15m-long pontoon
  • Durable aluminium construction for strength and corrosion resistance in marine environments
  • A location closer to shops and supplies, providing more convenient, safer and efficient access for pontoon users and boaties.

Community benefits:

  • Separate access: Provides a dedicated pontoon specifically for small vessels to board and disembark
  • Less congestion: Frees up the ramp for launching and retrieving boats only
  • Upgraded facilities: Increases capacity to support Cooktown’s growing boating community and tourism.

Online community information session - 23 April 2026

An online community information session will be held to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions, following the cancellation of the in-person session due to Tropical Cyclone Narelle.

Consultation has been extended and will now close on Sunday 26 April 2026.

Online community information session:

Community consultation survey

The survey will close on Sunday 26 April 2026.

All feedback will be reviewed to confirm support for the pontoon and gather key insights from boat ramp users.

Thank you for taking the time to have your say – we’ll share an update on the next steps by mid-2026.