A transient teenager abducted and murdered a 21-year-old Gold Coast woman in a random attack in 1983, police say, after a major breakthrough in one of Queensland's longest-running murder mysteries.

Newly-married Linda Reed disappeared during her lunch break while working at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on December 13, almost 35 years ago.

Her body was discovered three days later along with her light-coloured Mazda sedan in bushland at Gaven.

Newly-married Linda Reed disappeared during her lunch break while working at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on December 13, almost 35 years ago

On Wednesday police charged 51-year-old Troy James O'Meara (pictured centre) following a recent reopening of the investigation into Ms Reed's murder

On Wednesday police charged 51-year-old Troy James O'Meara following a recent reopening of the investigation into Ms Reed's murder.

O'Meara is expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

It will be alleged the then 17-year-old abducted, assaulted and killed Ms Reed in what police said was a completely random attack.

Her husband Robert Reed thanked police for their tireless work.

Her husband Robert Reed (pictured) thanked police for their tireless work

Family members of Linda Reed, Nancy Fein (left), Philipp Fein (centre) and Robert Reed (right) are seen during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Brisbane, Wednesday, August 22, 2018.

'It's been 35 years since my wife was taken from me, from Nancy and Oscar, her parents, Philipp, her brother, and we just want to thank the police for never giving up on trying to find Linda's murderer,' he said.

'We cannot thank the Queensland Police enough.'

Homicide Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Knight said O'Meara was staying on the Gold Coast at the time but had a transient lifestyle and did not appear to have any connection to Ms Reed before her death.

'Linda's abduction and murder was completely random and had such a devastating impact on her family and the local community,' Snr Sgt Knight said.

'I commend the work of the officers who were involved in this case from the outset and thank the detectives and forensic officers who worked so diligently to bring this case to a resolution.'

In 2009 police announced they had reopened the case following a tip-off.

Witnesses from 1983 told police they saw a 'baby-faced teenager' in the shopping centre car park with blond hair in a 'pageboy' style cut.

Snr Sgt Knight said DNA advances had played a 'significant' role in the arrest.