An expert taskforce is set to spearhead the ongoing hunt for Dezi Freeman, who stands accused of killing a police officer. This development comes as the national park, previously closed due to the manhunt, reopens to visitors.

Up to now, the search has seen extensive involvement from Victoria Police, with hundreds of officers combing through Mount Buffalo National Park, Porepunkah, and nearby regions, aided by over 1,700 intelligence reports.

As Mount Buffalo National Park welcomes the public back today, officials are urging anyone who spots Freeman to immediately contact emergency services at triple zero and to avoid confronting him.

Taskforce Summit is now officially in charge of the pursuit.

Under the leadership of a detective inspector from the state’s Anti-Gangs Division, this taskforce draws on specialized units such as the Fugitive Squad, Armed Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Special Operations Group, Search and Rescue Squad, and local teams skilled in using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.

Meanwhile, the homicide squad remains dedicated to probing the deaths of Thompson and De Waart-Hottart.

Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said the investigation was “far from over” but relied on assistance from the public.

“I strongly urge anyone with any information at all, no matter how small you think it may be, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers,” O’Brien said.

“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property – whatever it is, we want to hear from you. As always, this can be done anonymously.

“It has been an extremely challenging investigation but are we incredibly determined to see this to resolution.”

A reward of up to $1 million remains for information leading to Freeman’s arrest.