Last week a houseboat owner was charged at Benalla Magistrates’ Court with leaving an unlicensed houseboat on Lake Eildon.
The houseboat became unlicensed after the owner failed to pay houseboat licence fees.
The houseboat owner entered a guilty plea and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) legal costs of $1,516.07 and compensation of $1,858.50.
GMW General Manager Water Storages Martina Cusack said while most houseboat owners do the right thing, the Houseboat Regulations are important to ensure all houseboat owners and recreational users are able to enjoy the site. It also contributes to the long term sustainability of houseboat operations on Lake Eildon - the only inland waterway in Victoria where houseboats are permitted to operate.
“Houseboat fees contribute to GMW’s role to control and manage houseboat operations, including water quality and other issues associated with over 700 houseboats and surrounding land,” she said.
“This is why it is important that houseboat owners pay annual fees on time.”
Ms Cusack said failure to pay annual licence fees will result in houseboats being unlicensed and direction from GMW to remove it from the lake.
“The consequences can be serious and costly for houseboat owners and we don’t want that. We want to see houseboat owners out enjoying this iconic site and what it has to offer,” she said.
“This year that is more important than ever as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions have meant we haven’t been able to use these recreational sites as we usually would.
“Thank you to houseboat owners and all recreational users who have done the right thing, adhered to the restrictions in place and helped us stop the spread.”
For more information on houseboats please visit www.gmwater.com.au/houseboats or to report potential misconduct call the GMW Contact Centre Team on 1800 013 357.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, there are a number of ways we can help you manage your account and relieve some of the pressure you may be facing. Please visit our Payment assistance page or call us on 1800 013 357.