Douglas Shire Council persuaded State and Federal governments to buy back lowland subdivisions. The Council and Queensland Government allowed the subdivision of lowland space into about 1000 rural/residential blocks, with the prospect of purchasers having their own section of rainforest.
Mackay City and Pioneer Shire Councils amalgamated, and Mackay's area increased from 21 to 2820 sq km.
November
11 Mackay Refined Sugars Racecourse refinery officially opened.