Police say forensic testing has not yet confirmed the identity of human remains discovered on the banks of the Richmond River earlier this year.

The remains were found on February 16 after a fisherman spotted them near the riverbank at Fawcett Park and alerted authorities.

Police confirmed specialist forensic examinations were underway to determine the identity of the remains.

A month later, there has still been no public explanation for the delay.

At the time of the discovery, Ballina Deputy Mayor and retired police detective Damian Loone said such forensic investigations are normally expedited.

“I know police will fast-track this and try to find out as quickly as possible who it may be, or who it is,” Cr Loone said.

Three days after the remains were discovered, police divers recovered a vehicle from the Richmond River that appeared to match the silver Honda CR-V driven by missing Ballina woman Cicily Spiers.

Ms Spiers was last seen in Ballina about 4pm on October 18 last year.

Police issued their first public appeal for information on December 29.

Former NSW Police detective Damian Loone

At the time, Ms Spiers’ mother Carmen Watson said the timing of the appeal was decided by the family.

She said the delay was intended to avoid publicity during the school term and the lead-up to Christmas for Ms Spiers’ teenage daughter.

Mrs Watson also said Ms Spiers had disappeared for long periods in the past before later returning safely.

Police have not publicly confirmed whether the remains found near the Richmond River belong to Ms Spiers.

Weeks after the discovery, forensic testing is continuing.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.