Houseboat plan moves closer

COMMERCIAL houseboats on the Swan River may soon be a reality. WA-based Hydrocats has been invited to lodge an application with the Swan River Trust to conduct a five-year trial of the concept.

Water Resources Mininster Kim Hames said Hydrocats had successfully operated a commercial houseboat business in the south coast region and had vessels at the ready. The trial will involve only one operator using a maximum of five vehicles.

The Swan River Trust has stipulated that any trial may only be held in the section of the Swan River upstream of the Causeway and must not degrade the Swan River environment or adversely affect residents living along the river.

Mooring will only be allowed at designated areas and waste disposal will be strictly policed.