POLICE are appealing for information to help find a man wanted relating to a 1997 murder, who disappeared near Portland a month ago and has since been spotted travelling across the state.

Keith Lees, who had lived in Portland for around three years, was the partner of 25 year-old Victorian woman Meaghan Louise Rose when her body was found at the bottom of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Queensland detectives visited him at his Portland home in June, and shortly afterwards announced a $500,000 reward and offer of indemnity for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible, which still stands.

At the time, police said new information had come to light revealing suspicious circumstances, including a life insurance policy which was taken out prior to her death – which was collected by Lees, who was 20 years her senior and had convinced her to move interstate with him.

The day after he spoke with police, Lees’ car was found abandoned at the Cape Nelson Lighthouse carpark, sparking an extensive search from sea and air, which was scaled back after a few days.

Over the weekend, Queensland Police have ramped the search back up, after being granted an arrest warrant for Lees related to Ms Rose’s death.

They have now revealed that Lees spoke to police in Port Fairy on the first day of the search and gave a false name, and the next day seen on CCTV footage in Waurn Ponds shopping centre and then Shepparton, travelling by train.

According to police, he may be seeking casual work in the farming and fruit picking industries either in Victoria or interstate.

Detectives are appealing Keith Lees to come forward, and to the public for anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to immediately contact police. 

Anyone who may sight him, is asked to not approach him and immediately call Triple Zero (000).  For no urgent information, please contact Crimestoppers.