Banyule Residents Only - Fruit Tree Net Swap

Banyule Council is participating in Victoria's Net Swap Program to help reduce wildlife injuries caused by illegal household fruit tree netting.

In Victoria, it is illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch. Larger mesh netting can entangle, injure and kill native wildlife, including birds, possums, reptiles and threatened grey-headed flying-foxes. The Net Swap Program provides residents with an opportunity to replace unsafe netting with a wildlife-safe alternative while learning more about legal fruit tree netting requirements.

How the swap works

If you are a Banyule resident, you can surrender your old or illegal fruit tree netting and receive one free wildlife-safe replacement fruit tree net.

Residents are encouraged to bring all unwanted fruit tree netting for responsible recycling. Multiple nets may be surrendered; however, a limit of one free replacement product applies per household.

All surrendered netting will be collected and recycled to help prevent further wildlife entanglements and reduce waste going to landfill.

Event details

Date: Sunday 15 November 2026

Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm

Location: 268-270 Banksia St, Ivanhoe VIC 3079

Parking: Nearby street parking on Banksia Street and Liberty Parade.

Things to know

• Registrations are essential.

• This event is only available to Banyule residents.

• Proof of residency matching your registration details must be shown on the day.

• Residents may surrender multiple nets for recycling.

• One free replacement product per household applies.

• Limited replacement products are available.

• Council staff will be available to answer questions before and during the event.

Unsure if your netting is illegal?

Try the finger test.

If you can poke a small finger through the mesh, your netting may not meet Victoria's fruit tree netting requirements and could pose a risk to local wildlife. Household fruit tree netting must have a mesh size no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch.

Replacement product

Eligible residents can receive ONE of the below:

• Fruit tree net: one 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.8m - suitable for a medium sized fruit tree.

• Fruit protection bags 30cm x 30cm, pack of 10 - suitable for if you just want to protect smaller amounts of fruit on trees,

• Fruit protection sleeves 30cm x 90cm, pack of 5 - suitable for if you just want to protect smaller amounts of fruit on trees.

The replacement product has been selected to help residents safely protect fruit trees while reducing risks to wildlife.

Why is Banyule Council running this program?

Illegal household fruit tree netting continues to cause preventable injuries and deaths to native wildlife. The Net Swap Program makes it easier for residents to dispose of unsafe netting and replace it with a wildlife-safe alternative.

How do I know if my netting is illegal?

A simple way to check is the finger test. If a small finger can fit through the mesh, the holes are likely too large and the netting should be checked against Victorian requirements. Legal household fruit tree netting must have openings no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch.

Can I bring more than one net?

Yes. Residents are encouraged to bring all unwanted fruit tree netting for recycling. However, only one free replacement product is available per household.

Can I surrender netting without taking a replacement?

Yes. Old or illegal fruit tree netting can still be surrendered for recycling even if you do not require a replacement product.

What proof of residency do I need?

Please bring proof of your Banyule residential address that matches your registration details. This may include a driver's licence, rates notice or other official document showing your address.

Is there a fee to participate?

No. Participation in the Net Swap Program is free for eligible Banyule residents.