High in the mountains of Victoria's vast Alps, the ongoing impact of Desmond Freeman's alleged shooting of two police officers looms large.

For heartbroken and weary locals, it's been three very long weeks since conspiracy theorist and experienced bushman Freeman allegedly launched a deadly ambush on police.

Freeman is accused of fatally shooting Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart at Porepunkah before fleeing into the bush.

The tragedy has left the idyllic region, 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, deserted by its typical tourists.

Government grants to support businesses hit by the search for Freeman, 56, are worth a fraction of revenues lost to travel restrictions and tourist fears, operators say.

A number of businesses on its main street remain closed despite Victoria Poli

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