Wildlife Friendly Fruit Tree Net Swap (pm)

Check your nets!

Now is the perfect time to check your nets to see if they are legal and safe for wildlife!

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

That’s why we’re taking part in the Net Swap Program, giving City of Greater Geelong residents the opportunity to exchange fruit tree netting that can harm wildlife for a safer alternative. 

You can swap your netting for free by registering for our Net Swap Program. 

Swap for free: Eligible residents can surrender illegal household fruit tree netting and receive one legal, wildlife-safer alternative at no cost. There is a limit of one free fruit protection product, per resident.

Fruit protection products offered:

• Fruit tree net, large, 2.8m cube - 1 per resident


• Fruit protection bags, 30x30cm - 10 pack per resident


• Fruit protection sleeves, 30cmx90xm - 5 pack per resident 

Responsible recycling: Surrendered netting is collected for textile recycling, keeping it out of landfill and reducing the chance of further wildlife entanglements.

Surrender even if you do not swap: Residents may surrender illegal netting for responsible recycling and disposal, subject to availability.

For more information visit RSPCA Netting Entanglements Campaign

The Net Swap Program is delivered by the Conservation Regulator in partnership with participating Victorian councils.