How this works:

If you are a Stonnington resident, surrender your illegal net and receive a replacement legal fruit tree net, sleeves or bags free of charge.

Things to know:

Limited nets are available and a limit of one net product per household applies.
Registrations are essential.
Stonnington residents only - BRING PROOF OF ADDRESS: An ID or a recent rates notice will be required to prove that you are a Stonnington resident.
Surrendered illegal netting will be collected and recycled via the project partner UPPAREL.

There are three 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. One net. This is suitable for a medium sized fruit tree.
A limit of one net product per household applies

This program is being led by the Conservation Regulator, in partnership with Zoos Victoria, RSPCA Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, Animal Welfare Victoria and 18 Victorian councils. If you are not a Stonnington resident, contact your council to see whether they are involved in the Net Swap Program.

FAQs

Q. Why are we doing this?
A. 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 wildlife. We want to partner with our community to make the removal of old, illegal netting easier and therefore safer for our local wildlife.

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. After a successful trial of this program last year we expanded our range of available netting to suit as many gardeners as possible. You now have a choice between a full sized net, sleeve netting (to exclude a branch from wildlife) or fruit protection bags (to exclude a bundle of fruit from wildlife).

Q. How many nets are available for residents?
A. Limited nets are available, with a limit of one net / a 5 pack of sleeves / a 10 pack of protection bags 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. Last year we recycled 450kg of netting!

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 can I find out more?
A. Take a look on our My Smart Garden website 'resources' section!

This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by the City of Stonnington on the land of Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people of the Kulin nations. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past and present and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

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Contact the host of Stonnington residents - Fruit Tree Net Swap #1

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