A CORRYONG man may build a pond in his back yard to float a 16m yacht and bypass the need for council approval for a unique bed and breakfast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
If that doesn’t work, Graeme O’Shannessy says he will sue Towong council.
His ambitious plan to create the accommodation house hit a hurdle on Monday when council considered outright rejection of his planning application.
But Mr O’Shannessy attended the council meeting and was able to put his case to the councillors, who have deferred any immediate action.
The Corryong Secondary College teacher said he had clear advice and witnesses to verbal approval from a council officer to relocate the ocean-going yacht from its Melbourne moorings last September.
He also has letters of support from his neighbours and the local tourist association, clamouring for more accommodation in the Upper Murray.
“It has cost me $12,000 in transport, cranes and earthmoving so far,” he said.
“I had the council building officer tell me, in front of other people, I could put the yacht into position back in September then the planning officer rejected it.
“You know I could build a pond, float the boat and then it would be under the maritime act and completely out of council’s hands.”
Towong council officers listed nine reasons why the proposal was rejected including that it was unsuitable for permanent accommodation.
But Mr O’Shannessy said the yacht had two queen-sized state rooms, separate galley, bathroom and spa along with 2m head room.
“If they are correct then every caravan, van or unit would also be unsuitable,” he said.
“The hull is made of ferro-cement, it is almost indestructible.”
Mr O’Shannessy laughed at the council saying the unique B and B was out of character for the neighbourhood.
“About 200m away is a square rigger built in a park in the middle of town,” he said.
“I have had so many people come along and take photos of the sloop since we put it in position.
“It is a real novelty attraction and a great talking point for the town.
Mr O’Shannessy has already paid a $500 fine for putting the boat on his property without written council permission.
Towong council acting chief executive Peter Lenaghan said Mr O’Shannessy had made a presentation to council’s last meeting and the council had deferred making a decision.
It will consider the matter further at its meeting on March 1, Mr Leneghan said.
