We’re supporting residents to switch to wildlife-safe fruit tree nets with free netting swaps in November.
Why using the right net matters
Using the right netting helps protect local bats, birds and small mammals, while keeping your fruit safe from Queensland Fruit Fly and sunburn.
Manningham is ranked in the top 5 worst local government areas for bat deaths caused by illegal fruit tree netting.
Larger mesh netting is more likely to entangle, distress and seriously injure or kill wildlife.
In 2021, it became illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size larger than 5mm x 5mm in Victoria. Despite this, wildlife injuries caused by this netting persist.
How to check if your net is legal
Try poking a finger through the mesh. If your finger can pass through, the net is too big and illegal.
Learn more about household fruit netting regulations
How to swap your net for free
To swap one of your nets, you must:
- be a Manningham resident (ID or a recent rates notice is required at the swap)
- bring illegal netting (only one net is available per household)
- register for your preferred day.
Where you can swap your net
Drop in sessions will be held at:
- Manningham Council Depot at 620-628 Blackburn Rd, Doncaster East
- Manningham Civic Centre at 1/699 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster
- Doncaster Hill Community Garden at Hummell Way, Doncaster
Turning our netting around
All illegal netting that we receive will be recycled onshore via UPPAREL and turned into useful items, including building materials.
This event is part of a Victorian Net Swap pilot in collaboration with other councils and the Conservation Regulator.