FRESH HOPE TO FIND MUM

Shock plan to search again for missing woman

THE family of a young Far North woman who mysteriously vanished at a remote Cape York quarry more than eight years ago say they are “totally shocked” after police revealed plans for a fresh search.

An inquest into Kowanyama woman Allison Bernard’s (left) 2013 disappearance at an Archer River quarry was due to be held in June, but the Cairns Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday it would be pushed back.

Police want to re-search the area using “new methodology” and equipment which had not been available to them in 2013.

The court had previously heard Ms Bernard, 23, had a sexual encounter with the quarry caretaker Thomas Byrnes on February 10 but left during the night and was never seen again.

She had met Mr Byrnes for the first time earlier that day.

He was never charged over her death and is not accused of any wrongdoing.

A massive search was undertaken that spanned several days, including the quarry and nearby waterways, but no trace was ever found.

Speaking outside court, her uncle Teddy Bernard said it was “great news” police planned to search again, but the family were tentative about getting their hopes up after having no answers for so long.

“It brings up old wounds that don’t want to be opened again,” he said.

“Two family members, her dad and grandma, have died not knowing what happened.”

But he said finding her remains would “bring closure to the family”.

“Traditionally Aboriginal people love to bury someone, if the unthinkable happens, so they can send their spirit away,” he said.

Coroner Nerida Wilson told the court the inquest would be delayed until the search was performed.

Mr Crawfoot said police had said they would perform land and aerial searches and September was the optimum time to undertake it to ensure there were dry conditions.

“It seems to me in all the circumstances it can only be beneficial for a further search to be deployed and utilised (using new methods,” Coroner Wilson said.

“No doubt it will give the family new hope and comfort.

“We will try to (reschedule the inquest) this year and before the onset of the next wet season.

“I wish the Queensland Police every success in their undertaking.”