Newly-married Linda Reed disappeared during her lunch break while working at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on December 13, almost 35 years ago.

Her body was discovered three days later along with her light-coloured Mazda sedan in bushland at Gaven.

Police have charged Troy James O'Meara, 51, following a recent reopening of the investigation into Ms Reed's murder.

O'Meara, sporting a long grey beard, made a brief appearance in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

He made no application for bail and was remanded in custody.

It will be alleged the then 17-year-old abducted, assaulted and killed Ms Reed in what police said was a random attack.

Her husband Robert Reed thanked police for their tireless work.

"It's been 35 years since my wife was taken from me, from Nancy and Oscar, her parents, Philipp, her brother, and we just want to thank the police for never giving up on trying to find Linda's murderer," he said.

"We cannot thank the Queensland Police enough."

Homicide Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Knight said O'Meara was staying on the Gold Coast at the time but had a transient lifestyle and did not appear to have any connection to Ms Reed before her death.

"Linda's abduction and murder was completely random and had such a devastating impact on her family and the local community," he said.

"I commend the work of the officers who were involved in this case from the outset and thank the detectives and forensic officers who worked so diligently to bring this case to a resolution."

In 2009, police announced they had reopened the case following a tip-off.

Witnesses from 1983 told police they saw a "baby-faced teenager" in the shopping centre car park with blond hair in a "pageboy" style cut.

Det Snr Sgt Knight said DNA advances had played a "significant" role in the arrest.

O'Meara's matter will next be heard in court for a committal mention on September 24 when he is not required to appear.

Australian Associated Press