Susanne Bedey speaks as search for Luke Fergusson scaled back

The mother of a man lost for more than a week in bushland north of Brisbane has opened up after police made the ‘difficult decision’ to cut search efforts.

Susanne Bedey has opened up on the decision to scale back the search for her missing son Luke Fergusson, who vanished from the family's South Burnett home 10 days ago (on Friday June 9, 2023).

The mother of a young autistic man missing in the South Burnett since June 9 has thanked searchers after police made the “difficult decision” to scale back efforts.

Luke Fergusson, 28, has been missing for 10 days after disappearing from the family’s Proston Abbeywood Rd property about midday on Friday, June 9. Since then, the overnight temperatures in the region have regularly plunged to below zero.

Almost 100 members of the police, SES, army, and residents scoured hundreds of square kilometres around the towns of Proston, Stalworth and Abbeywood in the search for Luke.

The mammoth land and air search included helicopters, quad vehicles, horse riders, and police divers.

Luke’s mother Susanne Bedey said there had been a sighting a few kilometres south of where he vanished on Sunday, June 11, and footprints which may have been Luke’s were found, but he was still missing.

Luke Fergusson was last seen at the family’s Proston Abbeywood Rd home about midday Friday, June 9, 2023. His mother Susanne Bedey said there was a reported sighting about 4km south on the morning of Sunday, June 11, but Luke remains missing.

On Sunday afternoon, June 18, police scaled efforts back.

“This outcome is heartbreaking for Luke’s loved ones and I offer them my condolences on behalf of the Service, search party and the community,” Inspector Scott Stahlhut said.

“I want to thank the police, Defence Force, SES volunteers and civilians who worked in very difficult terrain over extended periods battling bouts of inclement weather in attempts to find Luke.

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“I know how strong their resolve was to bring him home to his loved ones and I thank them their valiant efforts.”

In a statement on social media, Ms Bedey thanked those who had dedicated so much of their time to the search for Luke.

These included South Burnett councillors and business owners who had pitched in however they could.

“As the tears flow, I have many people to thank, many I can’t recall their names,” Ms Bedey said in the Facebook post.

Luke Fergusson’s mother Susanne Bedey has been among a search party of about 100 people scouring the area around the family home for the missing 28-year-old.

She was “in a world of hurt and would gladly trade my life for my sons safe return”.

“We are still looking for Luke ourselves, and with volunteers,” Ms Bedey said.

“I can‘t convey my appreciation to the local community, to (the) horse people that risked their own lives and their horses, as we rode some very ugly country.

“To (the) people who donated to feed searchers, thank you

“To the people who made sure my pets got fed.

“To everyone, your time is precious, and we are so thankful that you gave us this precious resource.

“To everyone, hold your family close. Hug your neighbour. Tell your kids you love them.”

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An active missing persons investigation into Luke’s disappearance would remain in place.

“I’d urge anyone with information regarding Luke’s disappearance, including sightings to come forward. Every piece of information — no matter how small — assists investigators,” Inspector Stahlhut said.

“Locals and are urged to remain vigilant and continue to check their land including sheds for signs of Luke.”