The area from Cannonvale to Shute Harbour was aggregated into the town of Whitsunday.
Cairns Marlin Marina opened. Cairns now has 6500 hotel and motel rooms, compared to 700 in 1960.
Existing Hayman Island facility was demolished and replaced by a five star international resort aimed at the luxury market with 203 rooms and eleven penthouses, positioned on the south side of the island. The jetty was replaced by a marina at the south-west corner of the island.
A deed of grant in trust (DOGIT), comprising 250 sq km of land, was made in favour of the local people at Kowanyama.
The Lockhart River Community was given 'Deed of Grant in Trust' title of the lands. Locally elected councillors now provide administration for the Lockhart River DOGIT.
December
Hayman Island resort re-opened. in December 1987. The fresh water problem was solved by the installation of a de-salination plant.