Police have identified the body of man found buried in a shallow grave in bushland at Nelligen on the South Coast earlier this year.
Strike Force Nellore detectives said 34-year-old Scott Bryan, who vanished from Batemans Bay late last year, was murdered and his remains buried in the Currowan State Forest.
Police and emergency services began scouring bushland in the area on June 22 after a tip-off from the public.
VIDEO: Police at the Nelligen crime scene in June
That day police using cadaver dogs discovered a shallow grave near McCardys Creek Rd, and exhumed a man's body.
The Coroner has since declared the remains as those of Mr Bryan, who was last seen about 1.30pm on November 21, 2008 as he was dropped off at his home in Short St, Batemans Bay.
He was not reported missing until December 5, 2008.
Far South Coast Commander Superintendent Sean Gersbach said Mr Bryan disappeared during the holiday season, and he believed holidaymakers could hold vital information about the case.
View Body found in bush grave in a larger map
"We know Batemans Bay is a popular Christmas holiday destination and I would appeal for any visitors or locals who may have been in the area in December 2008 and saw Scott or has information into his death to come forward," Supt Gersbach said.
"People may have seen something as they returned home from their holidays or while travelling through the area and not thought any more of it until now. I am asking for people who were in the area in December 2008 to cast their minds back.
"The smallest detail might just be the clue to solving Scott's murder."
Mr Bryan was described as being of white appearance, approximately 195cm tall, of solid build and was going bald.
He was last seen wearing black tracksuit pants, faded black riding boots and a light coloured t-shirt.
Anyone with information about the case should contact Batemans Bay Police on (02) 4472 0099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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