Babinda's high rainfall produces a bumper sugar crop.
Extensive refurbishment of the Cairns Esplanade foreshore, with a swimming lagoon, parkland and recreation facilities, begins. Work was completed in 2006.
Georgetown tourist information centre acquired a notable minerals collection.
Temporary Croydon Railway Station built from parts of the building destroyed by a cyclone in 1969 collapsed from storm and termite damage.
The Oatley family acquired the Hamilton Island resort, expanded the Marina precinct and built a yacht club and qualia a luxury resort, which opened in 2007-8.
Herberton Historic Village which had numerous old buildings and relics collected by Harry and Ellen Skennar closed in 2003. The village reopened in 2008 under new owners Connie and Craig Kimberley.
Restrictions in place regarding sale of alcohol at Kowanyama.