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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