The Shire of Aurukun is a local government area in Far North Queensland, Australia, covering part of western Cape York Peninsula. It spans an area of 7,424 square kilometres (2,866.4 sq mi) and has been in existence since 1978. Cape Keerweer, located on the Gulf of Carpentaria coast, was the first site where Europeans wished to settle in Australia, with a Dutch ship led by Captain Willem Janszoon making the first recorded Dutch landing at Cape Keerweer.
The Aurukun council area has a significant portion of residents earning lower incomes, with a majority spending a reasonable amount on rent. The population is skewed towards younger age groups, particularly those under 20 years old. The area has a high percentage of renters and a diverse range of industries, with construction being the most prominent.
