A cattle farmer who murdered three members of a neighbouring family in a mass shooting has launched an appeal, days after being sentenced to 40 years behind bars.
Darryl Valroy Young, 63, received what is believed to be the longest jail term imposed by a Queensland judge on Monday.
A Queensland Courts spokesperson confirmed Young had filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence on Friday morning.
Young had been found guilty by a jury of attempted murder and three counts of murder following his trial the Queensland Supreme Court in Townsville.
Mervyn Schwarz, his wife Maree and her son Graham Tighe were shot dead at the gate to Young's cattle station at Bogie, southwest of Townsville, on August 4, 2022.
Young also attempted to kill Mr Tighe's brother Ross, who was shot in his lower torso before fleeing.
He opened fire on the family with a rifle like he was "killing feral animals on your property", Justice Christopher Johnstone said at the sentencing.
The jury heard Young killed the family over the belief they had stolen livestock.
He called them to a meeting at his property gate at 8am on the day of the shooting.
Justice Johnstone on Monday sentenced Young to life with a minimum of 40 years for his "heinous" actions.
He was also sentenced to 16 years for the attempted murder.
Jury members deliberated for three days following a four-week trial.
