Net swap program returns to help protect wildlife

The fruit tree net swap is back in Boroondara this spring!

From Wednesday 1 October, trade in your illegal fruit nets at our depots in Camberwell or Kew.

Bring in your illegal net and we’ll swap you for a compliant net, fruit protection bag or fruit protection sleeve. Our wildlife will thank you.

Last year, we received almost 250 illegal nets as part of the net swap pilot and we’re thrilled to be participating again this year.

Running from October until March, we’re one of 18 councils in the 2026-27 program led by the Conservation Regulator, RSPCA Victoria, Zoos Victoria and Animal Welfare Victoria.

Why should I check my nets?

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. Some community members may unknowingly still be using it.

How do I check my nets?

A simple way to check if your nets are compliant is the ‘finger poke test’. 

If you can push your finger through the net, the netting is illegal.

• Illegal netting: Mesh size greater than 5 mm x 5 mm at full stretch.
• Legal netting: Mesh size smaller than 5 mm x 5 mm

Our top 5 tips when using fruit nets

1. 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.
2. Use a white coloured net to help with visibility to wildlife.
3. Tightly secure your net to a frame or tree.
4. Check the net daily just in case any wildlife have been tangled or trapped.
5. You can use individual fruit bags or sleeves to protect fruit on trees, while sharing the rest with flying-foxes and other wildlife.

For more information about the net swap program, visit our Wildlife-friendly garden page.