Avoid a $3,000 mistake in your backyard—Aussies are getting fined for this simple gardening error!
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Gardening is a beloved pastime for many Australians, offering a chance to enjoy the outdoors, cultivate beautiful plants, and even grow fresh produce right in their own backyards.
However, what seems like a harmless activity can lead to unexpected consequences if we're not careful.
A simple oversight in the way we protect our fruit trees and gardens could end up costing us more than just their harvest—it could lead to a hefty fine of up to $3,000.
The issue at hand is the use of fruit netting. While it's a common and effective method to safeguard our fruits and flowers from birds, insects, and other animals, it can also pose a serious threat to wildlife.
Creatures such as snakes, birds, and particularly flying foxes can become entangled in netting with larger mesh sizes, leading to injury or even death.
These animals, struggling to free themselves, can suffer from dehydration in the hot Australian sun or fall prey to predators.
Recognising the danger to wildlife, authorities have set regulations on the permissible size of the gaps in fruit netting.
To minimise the risk of animals getting caught or tangled, the legal requirement for mesh size is a maximum of 5x5mm.
Despite these regulations, the use of illegal netting persists, with dire consequences for the animals involved.
In Victoria alone, the first six months of 2024 saw wildlife authorities record over 110 cases of flying foxes caught in illegal household netting, surpassing the total number of cases reported in the previous year.
These statistics are a stark reminder of the impact our gardening choices can have on the local ecosystem.
Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator of Conservation Regulator Victoria, has issued a plea to all household fruit growers: ‘We're urging all household fruit growers to ensure they understand the law and have compliant fruit netting that protects both native wildlife and your household fruit trees. A small change to your netting can make a big difference to the welfare of animals like grey-headed flying foxes.’
The penalties for non-compliance are significant. In Victoria, wildlife officers can issue on-the-spot fines of $395, with maximum court penalties reaching $2,964.
In New South Wales, fines can go up to $800, and in the Australian Capital Territory, the maximum penalty is $1,100.
So, what can you do to avoid making this costly mistake? First and foremost, check your existing fruit netting.
If it doesn't meet the legal requirements, it's time to replace it with wildlife-friendly options. Look for netting with a mesh size of 5x5mm or smaller, which is designed to protect your fruit without endangering animals.
Additionally, consider alternative methods of protecting your garden, such as using wildlife-safe deterrents or growing plants that are less attractive to animals.
As Aussies continue to navigate the complexities of backyard gardening, recent news highlights an alarming trend: hefty fines for seemingly minor infractions.
While this new rule might raise eyebrows for its potential to cost homeowners up to $3,000, it's not the only instance of garden-related fines making waves.
In a related story, a retiree is fighting back against a council's significant penalty, adding to the growing discourse around garden regulations and their impact on everyday Australians.
Have you had experiences with fruit netting in your garden? How do you balance protecting your harvest with caring for wildlife? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other garden more responsibly.
However, what seems like a harmless activity can lead to unexpected consequences if we're not careful.
A simple oversight in the way we protect our fruit trees and gardens could end up costing us more than just their harvest—it could lead to a hefty fine of up to $3,000.
The issue at hand is the use of fruit netting. While it's a common and effective method to safeguard our fruits and flowers from birds, insects, and other animals, it can also pose a serious threat to wildlife.
Creatures such as snakes, birds, and particularly flying foxes can become entangled in netting with larger mesh sizes, leading to injury or even death.
These animals, struggling to free themselves, can suffer from dehydration in the hot Australian sun or fall prey to predators.
In Australia, fruit netting with gaps larger than 5x5mm is illegal due to wildlife hazards. Credit: Shutterstock
Recognising the danger to wildlife, authorities have set regulations on the permissible size of the gaps in fruit netting.
To minimise the risk of animals getting caught or tangled, the legal requirement for mesh size is a maximum of 5x5mm.
Despite these regulations, the use of illegal netting persists, with dire consequences for the animals involved.
In Victoria alone, the first six months of 2024 saw wildlife authorities record over 110 cases of flying foxes caught in illegal household netting, surpassing the total number of cases reported in the previous year.
These statistics are a stark reminder of the impact our gardening choices can have on the local ecosystem.
Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator of Conservation Regulator Victoria, has issued a plea to all household fruit growers: ‘We're urging all household fruit growers to ensure they understand the law and have compliant fruit netting that protects both native wildlife and your household fruit trees. A small change to your netting can make a big difference to the welfare of animals like grey-headed flying foxes.’
The penalties for non-compliance are significant. In Victoria, wildlife officers can issue on-the-spot fines of $395, with maximum court penalties reaching $2,964.
In New South Wales, fines can go up to $800, and in the Australian Capital Territory, the maximum penalty is $1,100.
So, what can you do to avoid making this costly mistake? First and foremost, check your existing fruit netting.
If it doesn't meet the legal requirements, it's time to replace it with wildlife-friendly options. Look for netting with a mesh size of 5x5mm or smaller, which is designed to protect your fruit without endangering animals.
Additionally, consider alternative methods of protecting your garden, such as using wildlife-safe deterrents or growing plants that are less attractive to animals.
As Aussies continue to navigate the complexities of backyard gardening, recent news highlights an alarming trend: hefty fines for seemingly minor infractions.
While this new rule might raise eyebrows for its potential to cost homeowners up to $3,000, it's not the only instance of garden-related fines making waves.
In a related story, a retiree is fighting back against a council's significant penalty, adding to the growing discourse around garden regulations and their impact on everyday Australians.
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and I bought a couple of possum fur gloves they are so warm, great for my arthritic hands.
Sometimes you have to cull to be kind.
