Natarn Auld, 38, was last seen at home on Mount Cotton Road in the early hours of December 14 when she left to buy cigarette papers.

Earlier, she was captured on CCTV at a service station buying food at 11.40pm on December 13.

Auld has not accessed bank accounts or posted on social media since being reported missing.

Detectives and SES volunteers on Wednesday launched a search of bushland in an industrial area at Nudgee, west of the Gateway Motorway, as police divers scour Nudgee Creek.

“We’re very worried, and so are her family,” Detective Inspector Steve Hollands said.

“She’s a mother; she’s got three children. She’s missed her mother’s birthday, she’s missed a couple of pre-arranged family visits, and that is all added to our concerns, especially in the lead in to Christmas.”

Hollands couldn’t say if police believed Auld had met with foul play.

“We’re not speculating on whether she might have been killed, but we’re very concerned, and we’re looking for anything, any of her clothing, any of her belongings – handbags, purses, her mobile phone – all of those things that may assist us in tracking the movements.”

Auld is about 170cm tall with long brunette hair and a slight build. She was last seen wearing dark-coloured long pants, a dark jumper with long sleeves, thongs and a gold necklace.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.