But the newly built houseboat on the river at Fisherman’s Reach is under investigation for its seaworthiness.

NSW Maritime and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure are investigating.

The houseboat was lifted into the river at Fisherman’s Reach by crane earlier this month.

Local Stuarts Point oyster farmer for more than 20 years Warren Auld has concerns over the houseboat.

Among them he said if there was a good north-easterly breeze the swell could be 1m high and water could be over the houseboat’s deck.

Department for Planning and Infrastructure regional manager Alex Purvis said the DPI had spoken to the owner of the vessel and he had told the Department his vessel was no risk to the environment.

A NSW Maritime spokesman said: “The boat has been given temporary mooring and an assessment of the vessel is currently being undertaken.”

The Macleay Argus contacted the NSW Maritime and understands that the registration cost for a vessel up to 10.5m long is $168, plus $68 for a boat code.