Queensland murder mystery station on the market

A grazing and mining station linked to the murder of a gold prospector has been listed for sale.

The 134,000 hectare property, which is located in Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, was central in the police investigation into the murder of Bruce Schuler, whose body has never been located.

The case led to the station’s owners — Dianne Wilson-Struber and Stephen Struber — being jailed for the Mareeba man’s murder in 2012, and led to the introduction of Queensland’s “no body, no parole” legislation.

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Property records show that Palmerville Station is still listed in the Struber name, with the Public Trustee of Queensland now managing the estate while its owners remain behind bars.

Palmerville Station is the size of Hong Kong and has frontage on to the Palmer River

It is being marketed by Colliers International Cairns.

But while it might have a dark past, Palmerville Station is located on prime grazing land.

It has approximately 70km of double frontage on to the Palmer River, and a rolling term lease to 2035.

It is located 70km southwest of laura, and is a mix of undulating ridge country and rough broken ranges associated with the Great Dividing Range.

Murder victim Bruce Schuler who disappeared at Palmerville Station.

There are several creeks and gullies extending to the south across eroded plains, and it has extensive infrastructure including a homestead, machinery sheds, cattle yards and various grazing and holding paddocks.

It is currently being used for cattle breeding and is being sold with its existing mixed Brahman and short horn cross cattle breeds.

The area is also known as one of Queensland’s largest alluvial gold deposits and hosts more than 30 mining leases.

The vast station is in prime grazing country.

During the murder investigation, police described the difficulties surrounding the search for Mr Schuler’s body, saying the crime scene was “basically the size of Hong Kong”.

His body has never been found, and his wife, Fiona Splitt, led a successful campaign for the introduction of the “no body, no parole” legislation.

Its introduction means that the Struber’s will be prevented from ever applying for parole until they reveal the location of Mr Schuler’s remains.

ON TRIAL: Accused murderers Dianne Wilson Struber (left) and Stephen Struber (right) who have pleaded not guilty to killing gold prospector Bruce Schuler on Palmerviller Station. PICTURE: HARRY CLARKE

Speaking to the Courier Mail, Splitt said she hoped the new owners would help close the final chapter on the mystery.

Splitt implored the new owners, once the station is sold, to reach out and make contact.

“It would be nice if the new owners would let us out there to continue our search for Bruce,” Splitt said.

Police divers search a lake on Palmerville Station during investigations into the disappearance of Mareeba man Bruce Schuler, 48.

“I have no doubt that he is still out there, somewhere, and for our family, it is extremely important for us to bring him home.”

Palmerville Station is listed for sale, with expressions of interest closing at 4pm on July 18.

This article from the Courier Mail originally appeared as “Cape York’s murder mystery station for sale”.