To help with the removal of illegal fruit tree netting on trees in the Borough of Queenscliffe, Council has joined the Net Swap Program in collaboration with the Conservation Regulator and other councils across Victoria.
Under Victorian regulations introduced in 2021, it is illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size larger than 5 mm x 5 mm when fully stretched. Larger mesh netting can entangle birds, flying foxes and other wildlife, causing serious injury or death.
Council is helping residents comply with the law and protect local wildlife by offering a free wildlife-safe fruit tree net in exchange for surrendered illegal netting.
How to check if your netting is compliant
If you’re unsure whether your fruit tree netting is compliant or not, follow these simple steps:
- Poke your finger through the mesh netting.
- If your finger can pass through, this means that your netting is too big, illegal and can’t be used.
- Ensure to dispose of non-compliant netting responsibly.
Swap or surrender your netting
Residents can surrender old or illegal fruit tree netting and swap it for wildlife-safe alternatives to help protect fruit trees without putting local wildlife at risk.
Available wildlife-safe nets include:
- Medium fruit net (2.4m x 2.4m x 2.8m high)
- Fruit sleeve (30cm x 90cm)
- Pack of 10 fruit bags (30cm x 30cm)
Only one item can be swapped per household. Residents can surrender as many illegal fruit nets as they have.
To receive a free replacement net you must:
- Be a Borough of Queenscliffe resident
- Provide proof of residency (driver licence, rates notice or other accepted identification)
- Bring your illegal fruit tree netting for surrender into Council offices between 9 am – 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
- Limit of one replacement net per household
- Free nets are available while stocks last
All surrendered netting will be collected and recycled through the program’s recycling partner, helping divert waste from landfill.
