Title: Mount Buffalo National Park Reopens Amid Ongoing Manhunt

Mount Buffalo National Park has partially reopened as the search for alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman continues. The park had been closed since August 26, following the fatal shooting of two police officers in nearby Porepunkah.

Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, were killed while serving a warrant at Freeman's residence. Thompson was just a week away from retirement, while de Waart-Hottart was on a temporary assignment.

Freeman, 56, was last seen fleeing into the bushland shortly after the incident. Since then, hundreds of officers from Victoria Police, along with specialized resources from Australia and New Zealand, have been involved in the extensive search efforts.

On Tuesday, police announced the reopening of popular tourist areas within the park, including the Eurobin Picnic Area, Lady Bath Falls, and Lake Catani. However, some tracks and camping areas will remain closed, and the Lake Catani Campground is set to reopen on October 31.

Victoria Police have conducted thorough searches on the ground and from the air, speaking to over 800 individuals, including Freeman's associates, and searching hundreds of properties. Despite these efforts, Freeman has not been located.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush emphasized that finding Freeman remains a top priority. "Is he still alive? We don't know. Is he alive and still in the area? We have no real information to suggest that," Bush stated. He added that authorities are considering various possibilities regarding Freeman's whereabouts.

Residents in the area have been advised to stay vigilant and avoid approaching Freeman, who is considered armed and dangerous. Local business owner Leanne Boyd expressed cautious optimism about the park's reopening, noting that it could encourage visitors to return.

"That's really exciting. It means people can visit Mt Buffalo again and come back and enjoy the area," Boyd said. She highlighted a recent photography festival in Bright that attracted over 600 attendees, indicating a gradual return of visitors.

The upcoming Melbourne Cup long weekend is expected to be a significant indicator of public confidence in the area, following weeks of road closures and heightened police presence.

In addition to the search efforts, police have offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Freeman's capture, marking the largest financial incentive in Victoria's history for an arrest. Authorities are urging anyone with hunting or trail cameras to review their footage and report any relevant information to assist in the investigation.

As the search continues, Parks Victoria staff have inspected facilities in the park to ensure safety for visitors. The reopening is seen as crucial for the local community, which has been impacted by the ongoing manhunt and park closures.

The company responsible for upgrades at the Mount Buffalo Chalet is set to resume work on a new cafe at the historic site, which had been delayed due to the park's closure. Chief executive Richard Thornton acknowledged the setbacks but expressed optimism about the project's progress.