Scott Settree, 46, did not enter pleas to charges of murder, discharging a prohibited firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and other firearm offences.

Settree appeared before Magistrate Lisa Stapleton in person. He was represented by a solicitor from Cobar who communicated with the court by telephone.

All charges were adjourned to February 5.

Bail was formally refused.

Settree was taken into custody after police and emergency services were called to a home in Bourke Street, Cobar on Wednesday night following reports of a shooting.

Officers from Darling River Local Area Command found the bodies of Ian Settree, 71, and his wife Margaret, 69.

The deaths sent shock waves around the town.