A Noosa River houseboat owner has sold his $150,000 vessel for just $1 after new Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) rules and a removal order left him with no way to keep it on the river.
David Blundell bought his houseboat in 2024, unaware that MSQ’s 28-day anchoring restriction was due to take effect from January 1, 2026.
The rule limits vessels over five metres to anchoring in the Noosa River and its connected waterways for no more than 28 days per financial year.
MSQ said the changes focus on “reducing congestion, improving safety and protecting the environment in this popular waterway”.
As the new rules approached, MSQ ordered the removal of Mr Blundell’s vessel after deeming it unseaworthy, citing a previous incident in which the houseboat sank and remained submerged for an extended period.
Mr Blundell disputed that assessment, saying the vessel had since been re-floated and stabilised, but ultimately sold the boat for $1, saying the combined restrictions left him with no viable option to keep it on the river.
Houseboat owner and advocate Sally Hayes said Mr Blundell’s experience was far from isolated.
“He’s had a $150,000 investment disappear for a dollar, and he’s not alone,” Ms Hayes said.
“We’ve got around 30 people about to become homeless, with a week to go and no pathways.”
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She said many affected owners were pensioners or elderly residents with limited financial options.
“People don’t have the money to move their boats, they don’t have anywhere to take them, and no transitional options were ever put in place,” she said.
Both owners said the approach unfairly punished compliant boat owners for problems caused by a small number of neglected or abandoned vessels.
“You don’t penalise everybody for the misbehaviour of a few,” Mr Blundell said.
“There are decent people maintaining their boats, paying registration, and not bothering anyone. Houseboats have always been part of the character of the river.”
In response, Ms Hayes and fellow owner Sally White have launched a petition and GoFundMe to raise awareness and assist affected owners.
“This isn’t about fighting — it’s about finding solutions and stopping people from becoming homeless,” Ms Hayes said.
Despite wanting to keep a low profile, Mr Blundell said he felt compelled to speak out.
“I’m not looking for attention — I just have a strong social conscience,” he said.
“What’s happened to me is happening to others, and it’s deeply unfair.”
The Noosa River Management Plan, introduced in 2023 following extensive community consultation since 2021, aims to make the river safer, more accessible and better managed.
“Vessel owners must comply with Queensland maritime laws,” a Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) spokesperson said.
“Compliance measures include education, fines and, where necessary, removal and disposal of non-compliant vessels
“Anyone experiencing genuine hardship is encouraged to contact Maritime Safety Queensland to discuss options for meeting the new requirements.”
