News

National park reopens while search for gunman continues

By Bree Harding

Oct 14, 2025

Victoria Police has announced that Mount Buffalo National Park has partially reopened to the public.

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Hundreds of Victoria Police officers and specialist teams from across Australia and New Zealand have been searching Porepunkah and surrounding areas for alleged gunman Desmond Freeman since two police officers were shot dead and another was injured on August 26 serving a warrant at the accused’s home outside the town.

After speaking with more than 800 people, including several of Mr Freeman’s associates, searching hundreds of properties with consent and by warrant, investigating more than 1600 items of intelligence, and the extensive ground and air search, Victoria Police is confident it is safe to reopen the park, despite Mr Freeman’s whereabouts still being unknown.

Some areas of the park will remain restricted and prohibited to access by the public; however, police are urging anyone who has hunting or trail cameras in the area to check their footage and share any information that might assist investigators.

Police advise that the search for Mr Freeman continues and a strong police presence will remain in the area.

Anyone who sees Mr Freeman should phone 000 immediately and not approach him.

A reward of up to $1 million is still in place for information leading to Mr Freeman’s arrest.

Any suspicious behaviour, including anything at Mount Buffalo National Park, should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

The full details of which areas have reopened are available on the Parks Victoria website, while staff are also patrolling and signage is being displayed around the park.