Under Victorian regulations introduced in 2021, it is 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 help check if your netting is legal, try poking a finger through the mesh and if it can pass through, then it’s too big.

How this works:

If you’re a Brimbank resident, you can surrender your illegal netting and you will be eligible to receive a replacement legal fruit tree net, free of charge. Limited nets are available and a limit of one net per household applies.

Registrations are essential.
BRING PROOF OF ADDRESS: An ID or a recent rates notice will be required to prove that you are a Brimbank resident.
The Net Swap will occur at the 'Environment Team Stall' during the Family Festive Funday event.
Surrendered illegal netting will be collected and recycled via the project partner UPPAREL.

This program is a partnership between the Conservation Regulator, Zoos Victoria, RSPCA, and five local councils (including Brimbank).

There are two net sizes available:

Small size net: 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.8m. This is most suitable for trees in pots and planters
Large size net: 2.4m x 2.8m. This is more suitable for a small to medium fruit tree. A tree any bigger than this size is going to be very difficult to net (a better solution for these trees would be fruit sleeves/bags).

FAQs
Q. How do I know if my net is illegal or legal?
A. An easy way to check if a net fits the requirements is to see if it passes the finger poke test. If an adult finger can fit through the gaps, chances are that the net is illegal.

Q. Why have you chosen these particular nets?

A. The nets we are supplying have been quality tested against similar products and were found to be durable. Designed in a cube shape, the nets fit over fruit trees for a snug and taught fit and come in two different sizes. These are also insect grade nets (2mm gauge) which are increasingly important to manage Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF), a new and serious horticultural pest that is now establishing in Melbourne.

Q. How many nets are available for residents?
A. Limited nets are available, with a limit of one net per household applies. Proof of residential address will be required to obtain a replacement net, at the drop off/pick up location.

Q. Will I be able to surrender an illegal net without taking a new net?
A. Yes, and it will be collected to be recycled.

Q. Do I need to be a resident to be able to surrender an illegal net (without taking a new one)?
A. No, anyone can surrender an illegal net which will be sent off for recycling.

Q. Are there any fees for surrendering an illegal net or collecting a replacement net?
A. No, there are no fees involved.

Q. Where are the nets purchased from?
A. The nets have been purchased from Bulleen Art and Garden in Bulleen.