An additional 100 tactical police officers and specialized search teams have joined the ongoing operation to locate Dezi Freeman, the alleged gunman from Porepunkah, in northeastern Victoria. Victoria Police confirmed that members of the Public Order Response Team have been conducting extensive searches in Mount Buffalo National Park this week.

Specialist search dogs from Queensland Police have also been deployed to assist in the search over the past two days. The national park is adjacent to the Rayner Track property, where Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were fatally shot on August 26 while executing a warrant for Freeman. A third officer was seriously injured in the incident.

Since the shootings, there have been no confirmed sightings of Freeman. On Wednesday, police utilized a helicopter and an armored Bearcat vehicle to search a property near Benalla, located 100 kilometers from Porepunkah. However, the increased resources in the Mount Buffalo area indicate that the national park remains the primary focus of ground searches.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police stated, "Victoria Police, including its tactical police, continue to maintain a significant presence in the Porepunkah area. We are committed to using every available resource and the necessary skills required to find Freeman."

Mount Buffalo National Park is currently closed at the request of Victoria Police. The spokesperson added, "This decision is being constantly assessed, and we will advise as soon as the park can re-open."

Authorities continue to warn the public that Freeman may be armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is advised not to approach but to call emergency services immediately. Reports of suspicious behavior or activity should be directed to Crime Stoppers Victoria at 1800 333 000. A reward of $1 million is being offered for information leading to Freeman's arrest.

In response to the impact of the search on local businesses, staff from the state government department, Business Victoria, will visit Porepunkah and the nearby tourist town of Bright next week. This initiative aims to assist local operators who have experienced a decline in visitor numbers during the ongoing search. Last month, the government announced $5,000 grants for businesses that have faced significant disruptions and revenue losses due to the situation.