Reno dispute behind Qld woman's death

An elderly woman who had just moved to north Queensland was allegedly murdered by a tradie after she questioned the quality of his work on her newly-purchased Townsville home, police say.

The body of Pamela Frances Corless, 73, was found in the yard of her Cranbrook home on Monday morning.

Police allege she was killed on Sunday afternoon after a dispute with the man who'd been undertaking renovations at the home turned physical.

Mark Daniel Ferguson, 21, appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with one count each of murder, burglary and wilful damage.

Ferguson has been remanded in custody and his matter adjourned until March 6, 2019.

Acting Detective Inspector Phil Watts alleged the pair had been arguing over the renovations when the attack occurred.

"There was work being done at the deceased's home and we will allege there was a dispute over the work and the payment of work," Det Insp Watts said.

It's unclear how Ms Corless died but Det Insp Watts confirmed she had head injuries.

Ms Corless had only just moved to Townsville from Victoria to be closer to her family, he said.

"You can imagine if your grandmother or mother move states to be close to you and then in a very short period of time this happens; they're shattered," Det Insp Watts said of the victim's family.

Ferguson had also only recently moved to Townsville from Ipswich, west of Brisbane, Det Insp Watts confirmed.

Ms Corless's house is expected to remain a crime scene for the next few days as police gather evidence.