Overview

• Police lifted advisories telling people to avoid Porepunkah after nearly three weeks, though Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed and search activity continues.
• More than 125 specialist officers from across Australia and New Zealand conducted the country’s largest tactical policing operation on Friday, combing caves, ravines and steep alpine terrain.
• There have been no confirmed sightings of Freeman since August 26; police warn he is armed and dangerous, urge vigilance, and say he could be in the area, harboured by others or dead.
• A $1 million reward is still on offer, with over 1,100 public tips received as officers search hundreds of properties, mine shafts, huts and abandoned structures with and without warrants.
• The Victorian government announced $5,000 grants for eligible businesses within a $2.5 million recovery package, as local operators report sharp revenue losses despite eased travel warnings.