Goulburn-Murray Water managing director Pat Lennon was responding to Albury councillor Murray King who is campaigning for a houseboat trial on the lake.

“We will continue to share our experience working with the houseboat industry at Lake Eildon, which is owned and operated by GMW,” Mr Lennon said.

“However there are significant factors to be taken into consideration regarding allowing houseboats on Lake Hume.”

Mr Lennon specified water levels, bad weather, waste discharge and mooring sites as impediments for houseboats.

He also noted there were other Victorian, NSW and federal bodies party to managing the waterway and they would also have to approve or agree to houseboats being on Lake Hume.

“While GMW manages Victoria’s share of the water stored within Lake Hume and the Victorian foreshore, GMW does not own or operate the infrastructure,” Mr Lennon said.

Cr King said he approached GMW because it was the overarching authority and “there’s no point in going to others unless the main player is on your side”.

The response from Mr Lennon followed a letter from GMW’s chairwoman Jo Anderson to Cr King stating her board would not be further investigating the proposal.

Cr King welcomed Mr Lennon’s contribution.

“It’s a positive response in that the benefits of recreation and tourism and economic benefits is what this initiative is  all about,” Cr King said.

He said the public backed him.

“I haven’t had one negative response in the 18 months I’ve been pushing it, I have had 1000 positive responses,” Cr King said.

“I will continue to advocate for it because I think it’s a good idea and I think people want it.”