Gold Coast man Geoff Rayner, 53, who was believed to be missing in border region home safe and well

There has been a stunning new development in the search for a Gold Coast man who went missing in the Granite Belt region.

Missing man Geoff Rayner, 53, from Tugun (Photo: Facebook)

There has been a major new development in the disappearance of a Gold Coast man who reportedly went missing in the dense forests of the Granite Belt.

Tugun man Geoff Rayner, 53, was last seen on May 8 crossing the state border at Tugun around 10.30am.

It is understood Mr Rayner left his phone and wallet at his home last week on May 8 before venturing across the border.

A member of his family said he understood Mr Rayner was in the dense forest around Stanthorpe, particularly the Gilgurry Forest.

Missing man Geoff Rayner and Carmel May (Photo: Facebook)

There has been a fantastic development in the case on Wednesday, with Mr Rayner confirmed to be located alive and well, and is currently back on the Gold Coast with his family.

Queensland Police Service confirmed the “well loved man” was located following extensive search by the family across the Granite Belt.

“Mr Rayner returned home this morning,” a police spokesperson said.

The man’s fiance, Carmel May, also confirmed they have Mr Rayner home safe.

“Please know we are eternally grateful for everyone’s help. We are just taking the time to love and cherish this moment of having him back with us,” Ms May said.

“I will never have the words to express our gratitude.”

TUESDAY, 14 MAY

Mr Rayner’s fiance Carmel May told News Corp that on Tuesday, seven days after he went missing, she and her family had been scouring the Granite Belt countryside, where Mr Rayner was believed to be.

“Our family is with me driving around the country in four-wheel-drives with motorbikes, drones and camping gear ready for wherever the next lead takes us,” she said.

“We have all the grandchildren aged from four months (old) to 10 years old in the car.

“As you (can) imagine our family is beside themselves and very emotional, but are staying hopeful as that is the only thing getting through each day right now.

“Geoff is a very loved man and has been a wonderful stepfather to my daughters and we have five grandchildren together.

Missing man Geoff Rayner, 53, from Tugun (Photo: Facebook)

“Geoff is a big hearted, kind and extremely generous man. He loves very deeply and would do anything for anyone. He would give the shirt of his back for anyone, even a stranger.”

Ms May said Mr Rayner had been “under a great deal of stress for quite a while” and the family were worried about his well being because of this.

Ms May reiterated to the public the family would appreciate if communities across Queensland could put up posters with photos of Geoff and his car, and to keep an eye out for his vehicle.

It is understood the SES is on standby once a confirmed sighting has been made.

“We have even had a close friend start a GoFundMe page to help with expenses in the search for Geoff which is so overwhelming and immensely appreciated.”

He is understood to be driving a pearl white Toyota Prado 2021 with registration 390GX9, with distinct bull bar, light bar and a dint in driver-side rear door.

Mr Rayner was last seen on Allandale Entrance at about 8am on May 8 and has not been seen or heard from since.

Police and family hold concerns for Geoff’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

He is described as caucasian in appearance, approximately 180cm tall with light brown hair and green eyes.

Police believe Geoff is travelling in a white Toyota LandCruiser with Queensland registration 390GX9 and may be heading to Tenterfield in NSW.

Anyone who has seen Geoff, or the LandCruiser he is driving, is urged to immediately contact police.

You can help the search by donating to the GoFundMe.

Originally published as Gold Coast man Geoff Rayner, 53, who was believed to be missing in border region home safe and well