Police divers found the girl’s body in a dam approximately 150m from the family’s property in Cootharaba, where she was last seen watching television at 3.30pm.

The family searched their property for over an hour until they contacted local police where 72 fire and rural personnel were called to search the property on Monday.

More than 100 locals offered assistance as they turned out with torches as they searched the five-acre property whilst also reaching out to Facebook for help.

Addressing the media, Police Superintendent Daryl Johnson appreciated the support from the community.

“One of the great things about our community on the Sunshine Coast is that in times of need people come out and help. So that was fantastic to see in really tragic circumstances,” he said.

“Searches in the dark are always more difficult with limited light, and our divers were deployed and sadly found the little one just after midnight.”

“Police have been in constant contact with the family, and we will make it certain they get the support that they need at this time.”

Photo: Farm Dam by Richard Ure available here and used under a Creative Commons attribution. The image has not been modified.