Lockhart River is a remote community located on the eastern side of the Cape York Peninsula, around 800km north of Cairns by road. The Lockhart River township is surrounded by the Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park.
Some traditional languages are spoken in the community, however Aboriginal English is predominant. The major language groups are:
The use of an interpreter may be necessary to assist complainants, witnesses, victims and offenders who come before the courts.
For 2011 and 2016 census information on education, employment, income, housing figures and more for Lockhart River, build a statistical profile on Know Your Community.
Search for native title information on the National Native Title Tribunal website.
While all roads within the Lockhart community are sealed, getting to Lockhart during the wet season is difficult.
The Lockhart River Aerodrome is located about 5km from the township and contains a 1500 metre sealed runway which is suitable for all-weather, 24 hours operations.
As well as emergency and charter flights, a daily air passenger service is available from Cairns to Lockhart River from Monday to Friday. The flight usually takes about an hour and a half.
From approximately December to April, creeks and rivers flood and all roads into the town from the Peninsula Development Road may be closed. Access into Lockhart River during this period is by sea or air.
Alcohol restrictions apply in Lockhart River.
Search the local government directory for information about the Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council.
In Lockhart River, the local church bell is rung at the beginning of a funeral service. During the funeral service no business will take place as a sign of respect and the council will close the office. Once the funeral service is complete, the council will reopen and resume business.
During this time business does not generally take place in the community, however, this does not apply to essential services such as policing, child safety, health, education and justice.
The role of the Community Justice Group (CJG) is to ensure that clients of the service are given appropriate cultural support for court matters. The CJG also provides cultural reports to the courts at sentencing and bail applications, assistance to the courts in managing community-based offences, and networking to implement crime prevention initiatives.
Members of the CJG work closely with a number of justice agencies including the Queensland Magistrates Court, Department of Corrective Services, Queensland Police Service, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service. The CJG works to support the community’s understanding of and access to the justice system by working in conjunction with Shire Council by-laws and victim support agencies.
Key ways the CJG is able to assist the community and the courts include:
For more information about your local Community Justice Group:
Use the Queensland Government's one place service directory to find up-to-date contact information for local support services including:
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