A WODONGA Council election candidate has backed a proposal to have houseboats on Lake Hume.
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Rick Del Monte believes allowing such vessels to cruise around the waterway would be a drawcard for visitors.
"I think the houseboats is a very good idea, because it is is keeping with what I've been promoting with tourism," Mr Del Monte said.
"It would expand the use of the weir and lake and I think there's merit in the idea.
"I'm aware that there are a number of authorities who have requirements to be met and provided we're able to satisfy those I'm fully supportive of the project and would be willing to back it in to support tourism."
Mr Del Monte's public backing follows an approach from Albury councillor Murray King who promised to put houseboats on Lake Hume when he stood for election in 2016.
Cr King has since been unable to win approval from authorities involved in the administration of the lake.
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They are the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water, Water NSW and Victorian and NSW maritime police, fisheries departments and Environment Protection Authorities.
Cr King believes if Mr Del Monte was elected it would bolster cross border lobbying efforts for the scheme which Goulburn-Murray Water rejected in 2018.
"The majority of your dealings are with Victorian government departments, it's not really with NSW, and being a NSW council obviously there's a perception to say 'why would we help a council in NSW?'," Cr King said.
"We need dual advocacy for it in Albury-Wodonga and Rick's the man for that on that side.
"We're both going to benefit hugely, it's something extra to add to what we've already got and it can't hurt."
They were the variable water level of the lake, lack of shelter for houseboats, absence of mooring points or marinas and a dearth of discharge points for waste.
Cr King believed the authority was being obstructionist and the problems could all be overcome.
A report in response was due to be provided to councillors by April 30, however COVID has delayed it.
Cr King does not know when it will be presented.
Mr Del Monte said: "I know Murray has been very keen to leave it as his legacy and I know he's very passionate about it."