Check your nets!

Did you know that some types of fruit tree netting are illegal to use in Victorian households due to the dangers they pose to our native wildlife? 

It’s illegal in Victoria to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size bigger than 5mm x 5mm. Larger mesh netting is more likely to entangle, distress, and seriously injure or kill animals. To check if netting is legal, try poking a small finger through the mesh and if it can pass through, then it’s too big. 

In addition to using netting with a legal mesh size, experts also encourage:  

• Using white-coloured netting with a cross-weave design to help nocturnal animals see and avoid it at night.  
• Tightly securing netting to a frame or tree trunk to prevent trapping terrestrial species.  
• Protecting selected branches with fruit bags or sleeves, rather than netting the whole tree.  
• Check your fruit tree netting daily.

The Conservation Regulator, Zoos Victoria, RSPCA Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, and Animal Welfare Victoria are working together to address the dangers illegal household netting poses to wildlife. Wildlife at risk include birds, reptiles and mammals like the threatened grey-headed flying-fox. 

In Victoria, all wildlife is protected by law, and it is illegal to use or sell illegal household fruit netting. The community is encouraged to report illegal netting sightings to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. 

Victoria’s Net Swap Program

Whitehorse City Council is one of 18 local councils participating in Victoria's Net Swap Program, in partnership with The Conservation Regulator. 

Whitehorse residents are eligible to receive a free, legal fruit protection product in exchange for their illegal net. The surrendered fruit nets will be responsibly recycled by UPPAREL, avoiding further entanglements in landfill sites. 

Please note:

• A limit of one net product per household applies.
• Registrations are essential. Please use the links below to register and select your preferred netting product.
• City of Whitehorse residents only - ID or a recent rates notice will be required as proof of address. If you are not a Whitehorse resident, please contact your local council to check whether they are participating in the Net Swap Program.

There are 4 net products available:

• Fruit protection bags 30cm x 30cm, pack of 10. Suitable for younger trees in pots and planters or if you just want to protect small amounts of fruit on larger trees.
• Fruit protection sleeves 30cm x 90cm, pack of 5. Suitable for younger trees in pots and planters or if you just want to protect small amounts of fruit on larger trees.
• Fruit tree net 2.8m x 2.8m x 2.8m.

• Fruit tree net 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.8m