The body of a missing Victorian hiker has been found on a popular walking track near Alice Springs.
Alistair Thomson was walking the Larapinta Trail alone and was last heard from nearly two weeks ago on May 21 when he texted his family.
The body of the 64-year-old was found late on Sunday night, Northern Territory Police said on Monday.
No further details about his disappearance or death were revealed, with police citing family privacy reasons.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The alarm was raised on his disappearance after the experienced hiker did not make contact to say he had arrived at Hugh Gorge as planned on May 22.
Search and rescue members, police, local volunteers and Parks and Wildlife had been out looking for Mr Thomson.
His body was found near a waterhole at Hugh Gorge, ABC Alice Springs reported.
The Larapinta Trail runs for 223km along the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia, with its eastern end at Alice Springs.
Mr Thomson was a Strathbogie Shire councillor from 2016 to 2020, and a member of the shire’s audit and risk committee from 2020.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Alistair Thomson, a valued and respected member of the audit and risk committee and a former councillor at Strathbogie Shire Council,” council administrator Peter Stephenson said on Monday.
“On behalf of the Strathbogie community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Alistair’s family and friends.
“His knowledge, experience and dedication have made a significant and lasting impact on the Strathbogie community. During his four years as a councillor from 2016 to 2020, he was involved in many decisions, projects and initiatives with roles on various committees, including environment and sustainability development, planning and audit and risk.
“After leaving council at the end of his term, he joined the audit and risk committee as an independent community member.
“Working alongside Alistair on the audit and risk committee was a privilege. His contributions, expertise, kindness and unwavering commitment to good governance and to putting the interests of the community first have left a lasting legacy for Strathbogie.
“He will be greatly missed.
“Vale, Alistair Thomson.”
– with AAP