Hundreds of illegal fruit nets removed to protect wildlife

Image: Illegal netting being swapped for legal netting.

Hundreds of illegal fruit tree nets have been surrendered by Melbourne households, as part of a pilot program to prevent wildlife being entangled in unsafe netting.

The Conservation Regulator led the Net Swap pilot program from November to March across five municipalities, offering residents the opportunity to exchange illegal fruit tree netting for a legal alternative.

More than 600 illegal nets were surrendered, and 359 legal nets were provided free of charge to residents in the Boroondara, Brimbank, Manningham, Merri-bek and Yarra council areas.

Run in partnership with the five local councils, the pilot aimed to raise awareness that illegal household fruit netting can entangle birds, possums and flying-foxes, causing serious injury and death.

Netting used to protect fruit trees, vegetable gardens or other fruiting plants must have a mesh size no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch.

Wildlife Victoria rescued 265 native animals from household fruit tree netting last year, including 33 grey-headed flying-foxes, a threatened species in Victoria.

Under Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019, it is an offence to use illegal household fruit netting, with on-the-spot fines up to $395.

Image: Wildlife safe netting.

The program has helped divert 450 kilograms of material from landfill. Collected netting is being recycled to make high-quality materials used in manufacturing.

This pilot program was part of a campaign targeted at reducing illegal fruit net use and delivered alongside RSPCA Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Wildlife Victoria and Animal Welfare Victoria.

Community members are encouraged to report illegal netting sightings to Crime Stoppers Victoria online or on 1800 333 000.

If wildlife is entangled in fruit netting, community members should contact a wildlife rescue group for safe removal. To find a rescuer, call 136 186 or use the Help for Injured Wildlife tool: wildlife.vic.gov.au/hfiw

Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Conservation Regulator Callie Donaldson

“The Net Swap pilot program has delivered a great result for wildlife, removing hundreds of illegal fruit nets and replacing them with safer alternatives.”

“We would like to thank participating residents and partnering councils for contributing to this initiative and for their commitment to responsible netting practices.”

“By choosing the right netting, residents can protect their harvests of fruit while also keeping wildlife safe from harm.”