Brimbank residents are being encouraged to swap their illegal fruit tree netting for legal netting as part of a new pilot program
The ‘net swap’ program, led by the Conservation Regulator, aims to educate residents about the dangers that illegal netting poses to wildlife, and gives community members an opportunity to swap their illegal netting for a legal alternative.
Larger mesh netting is more likely to entangle, distress, injure and kill wildlife
Brimbank council, along with four other Melbourne councils, is participating in the program alongside Zoos Victoria and RSPCA.
Under Victorian regulations introduced in 2021, it is illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size bigger than 5mm x 5mm.
Council said it is aware many community members are continuing to use illegal netting for their household fruit trees, many unknowingly.
Residents can check if their netting is illegal by trying to poke a finger through the mesh
If a finger can pass through the net, it is illegal.
Locals can swap illegal nets with legal alternatives at upcoming net swap events in Brimbank.
The events will run on Saturday 8 November, from 12.30-1pm at Keilor Community Hub, 704b Old Calder Highway, Keilor, and at the environment stall during the festive family day on Saturday 30 November, from 11am-2.30pm at Errington Reserve, St Albans.
Details: news.brimbank.vic.gov.au/fruit-tree-net-swap/
