Stonnington Council takes hoarder to court over million dollar Malvern East junkyard

A MAN who has piled the front yard of his million dollar property in Melbourne’s inner east with junk is being taken to court by the fed up council.

Is this the worst front yard in Melbourne in MacGregor St, Malvern East. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A MALVERN East man who has piled the front yard of his million-dollar property with junk is being taken to court by the fed-up council.

After years of complaints, Stonnington Council is finally taking legal action next week against messy hoarder Ralph De Masi, who lives at 34 MacGregor St.

Furious neighbours say they are at their wits end, describing the state of the junk, which includes car bonnets, scrap metal, discarded appliances, drums and old pieces of furniture, as ‘Australia’s worst front yard’.

The mess even flows onto the nature strip.

Just a few doors down from the $1.4m property, a vacant block is littered with piles of junk from the same man, who also stores garbage in three vehicles on the street.

Cars are loaded up with junk. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Mr De Masi said he was working hard to clear the property by next week.

“I’ve been collecting the stuff since last year, I move it on for recycling as I’m on a disability pension for my bad back,” Mr De Masi said.

“I’ve got to fill up this truck just to make $25 so it’s not really paying off.

“I’ve got assets, I’m not poor.”

A cars and a truck, loaded with junk, were parked outside the MacGregor St property today. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Neighbour Katherine Russo said frustrated residents have made numerous complaints to the council over the past two years with little action taken.

“It’s been going on for years, slowly building up, and he has not got rid of anything,” Mrs Russo said.

“He goes out in the middle of the night and about 4.30am comes home, we all know when he’s home.

“It’s just horrible for everyone .... He’s got a real problem, I feel sorry for him.

“It’s just got out of hand and I don’t think he knows how to fix it.”

Ralph De Masi Navigates his way through the junk in his Malvern East front yard. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Another neighbour estimated the junkyard had devalued his home by up to $300,000 — even if he could sell.

Local councillor John McMorrow said he understood residents’ frustrations.

“I went around there to have a look and spoke to the resident concerned who got quite upset,” Cr McMorrow said.

Cars and trailers are loaded up with junk outside Ralph De Masi’s house. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Stonnington Council chief executive officer Warren Roberts said the council took the issue “very seriously”.

“Enforcement action is being taken by council through the magistrates court and the process is currently with them,” Mr Roberts said.

The matter will be heard on November 4.

@AndyJeffo