‘Okay,’ said Ryder. ‘You’ve been immensely helpful. We’ll look at the website and be in touch if we need anything else. Thank you.’

They all stood, and Van Engelen picked up her file. ‘The person you really should speak to is the developer,’ she said. ‘His main office is in Yass, but he’s set up a temporary space here in Tumbarumba.’

The office of Temple Developments consisted of a single room at the back of an arcade of shops looking out to an open carpark. Owen Temple answered their knock. He was around sixty, with a stocky build and a receding hairline.

‘Come in,’ he said, peering at them over the top of his glasses, which were perched on the end of his nose. ‘Mhanda called and said you were on your way. That’s Janet,’ he said, pointing to a woman with curly grey hair who was working at a computer. He moved with the speed of a busy man, ushering them in the direction of a small, round table ringed by four chairs in a corner. ‘Sorry, we’re a bit tight on space.’

‘No problem,’ said Ryder as they all sat.

‘You’re here to talk about Art.’ Temple whipped off his glasses and held them in his hand. ‘It’s a terrible thing, isn’t it?’

Ryder nodded. ‘It’s been an awful shock for the family.’

‘I didn’t know anything about it until Dan cancelled an appointment we had the other day.’

‘We hear you’re handling the property development on the Lorrimers’ behalf,’ Ryder said.

‘That’s right, White Winter Station. I’ve done some big developments in the past, and this one’s right up there.’

Ryder nodded. ‘What does it involve?’

‘You name it,’ Temple said with a laugh. ‘Take a look around. We’re in the middle of commissioning roads, electricity, environment, heritage and water reports. That’s why we set up this office, so we’d be close to the council. It makes things a hell of a lot easier.’

‘So, you’ve bought the land already?’ asked Flowers.

‘We’ve signed contracts, but that’s subject to subdivision consent. We’re pretty confident it will come through. Everything’s moving ahead.’

‘Ms Van Engelen said she wasn’t aware of any strident opposition to what’s being proposed. Are you aware of any?’ Ryder asked.

Temple paused for a second or two. ‘A little, but not as bad as it could have been. People always put in objections. Mostly they have no merit. This is an environmentally sensitive, ground-breaking development. It will help a lot of people in the area and put more money into the council coffers. That flows on to better roads and services for everyone.’

‘Art Lorrimer’s death won’t hold it up?’ asked Flowers.