Highton ratepayers launch petition over Reigate Rd ‘hoarder’ house
An abandoned house on a leafy Highton street has sparked a furore among fed-up neighbours who claim it is “a fire waiting to happen” due to a build up of trash and squalor.
An abandoned and overgrown house on a leafy Highton street has sparked a furore among fed-up neighbours who claim it is “a fire waiting to happen”.
A group of residents near a dilapidated Reigate Rd property have started a petition demanding urgent action from the homeowner and the City of Greater Geelong, alleging it poses an unacceptable health risk and has been left to decay for decades.
One elderly woman, who did not want to be named, claims the owner started hoarding “about 30 years ago” and she now feared her property is in danger should a fire break out.
Another property the man owned burnt to the ground on Ryrie St more than a decade ago, with allegations it was abandoned and home to squatters at the time.
“I am 86 and live alone … the rubbish is piled about four metres from my kitchen door,” the Highton resident said.
“He has hoarded a lot of trash which prevents access on both sides of his property.
“If there was a fire, it would certainly quickly engulf my house.”
A number of complaints have been made to council, with noxious and invasive weeds seen
“growing all over the back and down the sideway”.
“It’s got to the stage where everyone just wants something done,” she said.
“He’s a nice enough man, we don’t want to be confrontational but we just want the materials removed that have created a fire hazard, and the noxious trees cut down.
“He is also in his 80s and probably needs help.”
An abandoned classic Mercedes Benz can be seen in the driveway below windows covered with newspaper.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj and Geelong MP Christine Couzens have been contacted by those concerned.
Anthony Basford, Executive Director City Life at CoGG, said they were yet to receive a hoarding complaint at the Reigate Rd property “this year”, but confirmed it had been added to a fire prevention inspection program.
Council health and amenity officers and the fire prevention team visited it three times in 2025 because of overgrown grass.
“We will continue to monitor the length of grass at the site, particularly during the summer fire season,” Mr Basford said.
“We understand the serious safety risks to residents and their neighbours from this issue and we are committed to supporting community members to maintain safe and healthy living environments.”
It’s understood the elderly owner does not reside at the residence.
The Department of Health defines hoarding as “the persistent accumulation of and lack of ability to relinquish, large numbers of objects or living animals, resulting in extreme clutter in or around premises.”
Hoarding disorder is a recognised mental condition causing difficulty in discarding possessions.
Originally published as Highton ratepayers launch petition over Reigate Rd ‘hoarder’ house
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