Fruit Net Swap

Victoria’s Net Swap Program

In Victoria, netting on household fruit trees must have a mesh size of less than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch. Larger mesh sizes can entangle and injure birds, bats and other native animals.

The Conservation Regulator in collaboration with several Victorian local councils, including Whitehorse City Council, is currently running a Net Swap Program. The program gives Victorians the opportunity to surrender their illegal household fruit netting. We accept surrendered nets from any municipality. Whitehorse residents are eligible to receive a free, legal fruit protection products 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.

Please note:

• A limit of one net product per household applies.
• Registrations are essential. Please book your ticket and select your preferred netting product.
• City of Whitehorse residents only - BRING PROOF OF ADDRESS: an ID or a recent rates notice will be required
• If you are not a Whitehorse resident you can still surrender your old nets or contact your council to check whether they are participating in the Net Swap Program.