A Queensland houseboat owner who was forced off a popular river over controversial new mooring rules sold his $160,000 vessel for just $1 after costs to remove it spiralled out of control.
David Blundell, 76, moved onto the Noosa River in late 2024 after "absolutely falling in love" with his boat.
But his dream of waking up to river sunrises and floating through retirement was short-lived after Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) announced that unmoored boats larger than five metres on the Noosa River can only stay for a maximum of 28 days per year from January 1, 2026.
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It has meant dozens of full-time houseboat residents have either sold their home or relocated at an exorbitant price.
"You don't just totally pull the rug out from the people who live quite peacefully and rightly on the river," Blundell told nine.com.au.
"Losing my houseboat has been pretty traumatic and I was hoping I could enjoy life on the river like the other very decent people there."
Blundell's boat, aptly named Sunsets and Dreams, had previously been deemed unseaworthy by MSQ after he said it was battered by waves from jetskis while he was away.
He spent $22,000 on a boat towing service, where it was damaged further.
Blundell disputed MSQ's assessment and said he successfully refloated and stabilised his vessel and had been living on it safely for months.
But it didn't matter – new rules meant he needed to get off the river or face fines of up to $33,380.
The cost of removing his boat again and floating it on a river without MSQ limits were too costly for Blundell, a pensioner, to afford.
"I had to be off the river by 4pm on the 1st of February," he said.
"So at that stage, there was no point in [keeping it]."
He advertised his beloved boat online for $1 and had a lot of interest – and some scepticism – about his fire sale.
Blundell eventually sold it to a local couple, who only had a $2 coin.
It broke his heart to say goodbye to his home.
"I just think it's terrible," Blundell added.
Fellow houseboat owner Sally Hayes, who is fighting to change the MSQ rule, said Blundell found himself in a "tragic" situation.
"Suddenly, by this ruling being put in place, it renders these boats as worthless," she previously told nine.com.au.
"It makes them a liability more than an asset.
"So many people are losing their entire retirement savings."
Hayes has called on the Queensland government to either reverse the decision or provide financial assistance to relocate boats.
Hayes and Blundell are among 25 houseboat owners who have been displaced by the ruling.
Some face being homeless or in huge debt.
"It is going to totally change the character of the river," Blundell added.
The 28-day rule applies to Noosa River and all adjoining waters, including Noosa Sound, Lake Cooroibah, Lake Cootharabah, Lake Doonella, Lake Weyba, the Everglades and connected creeks.
Boats secured to private jetties are not considered anchored or unmoored and are not subject to the rules.
There are only a limited number of moorings on the river.
Maritime Safety Queensland's statement in full:The Noosa River Management Plan aims to make the Noosa River safer, cleaner and more sustainable, ensuring it remains a key part of Noosa's appeal for years to come.
The plan, introduced in 2023 after extensive community consultation since 2021, focuses on reducing congestion, improving safety and protecting the environment on this popular waterway.
Maritime Safety Queensland has implemented the Management Plan in carefully considered stages, commencing in September 2023, with each subsequent stage announced 3-6 months in advance.
The Noosa River Management Plan balances the competing needs of vessel owners, other river users and tourists, local community residents and businesses.
The new 28-day anchoring restrictions introduced on 1 January 2026 are designed to ensure the river can still be safely enjoyed by all of the community and not used as a long-term vessel storage facility.
Of the 120 vessels still anchored in the Noosa River, MSQ estimates the number of full-time live-aboard vessels still in the river to be around 20, with another 9 used as weekend or part-time accommodation.
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