Thousands of native birds and animals are injured or killed in fruit tree nets each year. Help protect our unique native wildlife for future generations, by doing your bit in Yarra.
The Victorian State Government has moved to ban fruit tree netting that can kill or harm wildlife, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Fruit tree netting that is unsafe for wildlife will become illegal in September 2021.
Wildlife safe netting
- Use nets with mesh size no greater than 5mm when stretched. If you can poke your little finger through the net, it's unsafe.
- Use netting with individual strands no larger than 500 microns or 0.5mm in diameter.
- Use brightly coloured netting. Wildlife can't easily see black, dark green or grey netting.
- Dispose of old netting responsibly.
Other wildlife safe tips
- Use net bags or fruit socks to protect bunches or individual branches
- Remove old netting that's not protecting fruit
- Check netted trees daily to make sure they're not loose and no animals are trapped.
If you see any wildlife trapped in netting, call Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300 for rescue, or report it on their website.
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