Have you checked your nets?
In Victoria, netting used to protect household fruit trees, vegetable gardens or other fruiting plants must have a mesh size no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch. Netting with larger holes is deemed unsafe and is illegal to use.
To check if netting is legal, try poking a small finger through the mesh and if it can pass through, then it’s too big.
Illegal household netting poses a significant danger to local wildlife. Wildlife at risk include birds, reptiles and mammals like the threatened grey-headed flying-fox.
In Victoria, all wildlife is protected by law, and it is illegal to use or sell illegal household fruit netting. The community is encouraged to report illegal netting sightings to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
The Net Swap Program is part of a campaign targeted at reducing illegal household fruit tree netting use which is being delivered in partnership with RSPCA Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Wildlife Victoria and Animal Welfare Victoria.
The program gives Casey residents the opportunity to surrender their illegal household fruit netting. Residents are eligible to receive a free, legal fruit protection product in exchange for their illegal net. The surrendered fruit nets will then be responsibly recycled by UPPAREL, avoiding further entanglements in landfill sites.
Through this program, the Conservation Regulator and its partners hope to educate the public on the dangers illegal fruit netting poses to wildlife, most notably our threatened grey-headed flying foxes.
How to surrender your netting
From October 2026 to March 2027 residents can book a ticket to attend one of three locations to drop off their illegal household netting and receive one free, legal fruit protection product per household. Further information regarding drop off times can be found under each location.
Swap products are available while stocks last and preferred products cannot be guaranteed. Attend early in the program for the best chance of receiving a product. If stock runs out, you can still drop off your illegal netting for recycling.
Choose a location and book your spot
- Cranbourne West Community Hub
- Myuna Farm (Only during October)
- Old Cheese Factory
Enquiries
For questions about the Net Swap Program, email enviroeducation@casey.vic.gov.au