Forest north of Sunshine Coast searched in 1997 murder mystery

Homicide detectives today began a major search of a southern Queensland forest in a search for clues in a 21-year-old cold-case murder.

Gregory Armstrong was 30 when he was last seen alive outside a Maryborough ATM on May 7, 1997.

He was later reported missing by his landlord and is believed to have been murdered.

Detectives believe new information from key witnesses could hold the key to solving the baffling murder mystery and today began combing through parts of the Tuan Forest, north of the Sunshine Coast, with 40 SES crews and the dog squad.

This is the second time detectives have searched the Tuan forest for Mr Armstrong's remains.

A reward of $250,000 for information leading to a conviction remains on offer.

Police say even the smallest amount of information could crack the case wide open.