Search for missing hiker to enter second week as ADF called in
Search crews including members of the Australian Defence Force gathered at a staging area of the Nattai National Park. (Supplied: SES Wollondilly )
In short:
The Australian Defence Force has joined the search for missing hiker Lily Hooper.
Almost 100 ADF personnel from Holsworthy Barracks have been searching in Nattai National Park today.
What's next?
Survival expert Gordon Dedman is hopeful Ms Hooper will be found alive.
Almost 100 members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are helping to search for a bushwalker who has been missing for a week in a national park south-west of Sydney.
The multi-agency search effort for Lily Hooper, 18, started in Nattai National Park on August 12.
Lilly Hooper, 18, has been missing for a week after failing to return from a hike in Nattai National Park. (Supplied: NSW Police)
Reservists from 5th Brigade stationed at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney joined the effort today.
Army survival instructor Gordon Dedman said many soldiers from the base would be familiar with the difficult terrain.
"You've got personnel, depending on what units are used, familiar with that area south of Holsworthy," he said.
"It's very steep ravines, thick bush, and it can get really cold in winter.
"Even just basic soldiers will have the ability to know that terrain, going through on foot and doing extensive line searches."
Search reaches seven days
Police discovered Ms Hooper's car at the Bonnum Pic Walking Trail on the evening she went missing, but have found no trace of her in the area since.
Mr Dedman said the ready availability of water in the national park worked in the experienced bushwalker's favour.
"It's still early days," he said.
"There is water in the creeks there.
"First-aid issues and clothing are the two big things, because with the proper clothing you can even hug against a tree [to stay warm]."
Survival expert Gordan Dedman said the survival training given to the ADF would help teams navigate the terrain today. (Supplied.)
Police estimate approximately 200 people from the State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, VRA Rescue are part of the search effort.
Police have deployed resources including trail bikes, horses, dogs and helicopters.
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alix Thom said eight volunteers had been sent to camp in the area.
The Nattai National park has dense bushland, deep ravines and high cliffs. (ABC Illawarra: Justin Huntsdale)
"They have a lot of navigation skills, rugged terrain experience, and they're very skilled individuals that we've deployed to that area to assist," she said.
"No matter what the weather is, they won't come back in for the night. They stay out there."
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