Colleagues pay tribute to Toyah Cordingley, 24, who had gone missing while walking her dog

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Residents of a north Queensland community are being DNA-tested by police as the investigation into the death of a young woman continues.

Colleagues have paid tribute to Toyah Cordingley, 24, whose body was found on Monday in dunes at Wangetti Beach, 40km north of Cairns.

Cordingley had gone missing on Sunday after taking her dog for a walk on the isolated beach.

A police investigation stretching beyond the isolated beach north to Port Douglas and south to Cairns continued on Wednesday.

Police have been knocking on doors and taking DNA swabs at homes near the beach.

“I’m perfectly fine with that because I’ve got nothing to hide and if it helps them track down who did this to her, then I’m all for it,” an unnamed resident told the ABC.

Extra detectives are also flying up from Brisbane to assist with the investigation.

The animal lover has been remembered as a “beautiful young lady” by the staff at Animal Rehoming Cairns and Tablelands District, where Cordingley worked.

“Our hearts go out to her family, partner and dear friends who are so devastated by her loss,” a post on the organisation’s Facebook page said.

“To the person or person’s who took Toyah’s life we want you to know that you have destroyed a heart of gold.”

The premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, described the killing as “heartbreaking”.

“This should not happen to a young woman walking her dog on a Sunday,” she said.

The mayor of Douglas Shire, 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,” Leu said. “It is extremely chilling to think a murderer is out there.”

Cairns murder investigation: police widen hunt for killer after body found on beach Read more

Leu said she wanted anyone with information to contact police immediately.

A visit to Rusty’s Markets in Cairns by Cordingley before she headed to the beach is part of the investigation, police say.

“If anybody has spoken to her at that location please come forward,” Detective Inspector Sonia Smith told reporters on Tuesday.

Appeals have also been made for dash cam footage from drivers who travelled between Smithfield and Port Douglas using the Captain Cook Highway between 12pm and 7pm on Sunday.

Smith said detectives were particularly interested in obtaining footage from the northern and southern car park areas of Wangetti Beach.

Cairns will host its annual Reclaim the Night walk to raise awareness about sexual violence against women on Friday.