Did you participate in our free fruit net swap pilot program over the summer?

Thank you to everyone who took part. As a result of your efforts, we received almost 250 illegal nets at our collection points in Boroondara between October and March. Illegal nets can harm wildlife and some community members may unknowingly still be using them. As part of this pilot, we invited community members to exchange illegal nets (mesh size greater than 5 x 5 mm at full stretch) for safe, legal fruit netting.

We were pleased to participate in this pilot and education campaign with the Conservation Regulator, RSPCA Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, Animal Welfare Victoria and 4 other local councils.

Across the program, over 600 nets were collected in Victoria. The Conservation Regulator sent the surrendered nets for textile recycling, diverting an estimated 450 kilograms of netting from landfill.

Have your say on the pilot

The Victorian Government is currently inviting feedback about the net swap initiative via a short survey. They will consider feedback as they plan the next possible version of Victoria’s Net Swap program.
Share your thoughts by 24 May.

Our top 5 tips when using fruit nets

• Do the ‘finger poke test’ to check if your net is compliant and safer for wildlife. If you can push your finger through the net, the netting is illegal.
• Use a white coloured net to help with visibility to wildlife.
• Tightly secure your net to a frame or tree.
• Check the net daily just in case any wildlife have been tangled or trapped.

You can also consider alternatives to nets. You can use individual fruit bags or sleeves to protect fruit on trees, while sharing the rest with flying-foxes and other wildlife.

Why are some nets illegal?

In Victoria, regulations introduced in 2021 made it illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with mesh larger than 5 mm by 5 mm. This is because it can harm wildlife and some community members may unknowingly still be using it.

The net swap pilot program educated Victorians about the dangers that illegal household fruit tree netting poses to local wildlife and offered a free legal net in exchange for surrendered nets.