A north Queensland mayor says the murder of Toyah Cordingley on an isolated beach is a disgusting, horrific act of violence that has shaken the local community.
Toyah Cordingley went missing while walking her dog on Sunday.
Homicide detectives announced they had broadened their search beyond the isolated beach north to Port Douglas and south to Cairns, on Tuesday.
Police say Ms Cordingley's visit to Rusty's Markets in central Cairns before heading to the beach is part of their investigation.
Police say Ms Cordingley's visit to Rusty's Markets in Cairns before heading to the beach is part of their investigation. Source: Facebook
"If anybody has spoken to her at that location please come forward," Detective Inspector Sonia Smith told reporters.
Police are also appealing for dash cam footage from drivers who travelled between Smithfield and Port Douglas on Sunday using the Captain Cook Highway between 12pm and 7pm.
Inspector Smith said detectives were particularly interested in obtaining footage from the northern and southern car park areas of Wangetti beach.
She said police were treating the 24-year-old's death as a homicide investigation and have received more than 23 Crime Stoppers calls from people who have come forward about the death.
The 24-year-old went to the beach with her dog. The dog was found near her body. Source: Facebook
“We have a very open mind with respect to this investigation and with the assistance of the public we will follow every lead until we get answers in relation to Toyah’s death … and get answers for Toyah’s family,” she told reporters.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu issued a statement on Wednesday calling for public help to solve the crime.
"This is a disgusting, horrific and fatal act of violence against a young woman who was enjoying what so many people do on a daily basis - walk along our beautiful beaches," Ms Leu said.
"It is extremely chilling to think a murderer is out there."
Ms Leu said she wants anyone with information to contact police immediately.
On Tuesday, police said they could not overlook the possibility the attack was sexually motivated.
“If we’re dealing with a potentially sexually-related murder, which commonsensically we may well be dealing with a male," Detective Senior Sergeant Ed Kinbacher told reporters.
Police divers were also searching waters near where the body was found for Ms Cordingley's personal possessions, she said.
The young pharmacy worker's body and dog were discovered on Monday morning by SES volunteers 800 metres north of her car, which was parked in a camping ground car park.
The dog was found safe and well, near the body.
Volunteers and police remain at the scene searching the beach and nearby dense bushland.
Anyone who can provide police with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
