Leaving the Echuca yards and charging up the hill approaching the Iron Bridge. Standing to the left is the Fruit Fly Inspector who was once a common sight at the NSW/Victorian border crossings.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, echuca, echuca railway station, fruit fly inspection, k-173, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops)

The permanent fruit fly road blocks in Victoria began in 1958. The first was set up on the Lincoln Causeway between Albury and Wodonga. The aim was to protect the Victorian fruit export industry, the largest in the country. Cars would be stopped and inspected when entering Victoria. At peaks periods, such as Easter and school holidays, there were up to 10 inspectors at the 24 hour checkpoint near the former butter factory on the Lincoln Causeway. Local residents could apply for a pass which would be displayed on their window, but were still subject to random checks. Hundreds of tonnes of fruit each week was confiscated and pulverised by Department of Agriculture staff. The road block was closed in 1980, partly due to the increased traffic flows and the cost of maintaining inspection points.This image reflects government measures taken to protect the fruit industry in Victoria.A large image of the LIncoln Causeway at the Victorian/NSW border at Wodonga. The southbound lanes on the right hand side feature overhead signals and traffic light signs to control traffic leading into the Fruit fly inspection checkpoint ahead. The photo is in a wooden frame.On right hand side: Border sign: Wodonga/Victoria and the Victorian State Coat of Arms.fruit fly control, victoria border, lincoln causeway wodonga

The permanent fruit fly road blocks in Victoria began in 1958. The first was set up on the Lincoln Causeway between Albury and Wodonga. The aim was to protect the Victorian fruit export industry, the largest in the country. Cars would be stopped and inspected when entering Victoria. At peaks periods, such as Easter and school holidays, there were up to 10 inspectors at the 24 hour checkpoint near the former butter factory on the Lincoln Causeway. Local residents could apply for a pass such as this one which would be displayed on their window, but were still subject to random checks. Hundreds of tonnes of fruit each week was confiscated and pulverised by Department of Agriculture staff. The road block was closed in 1980, partly due to the increased traffic flows and the cost of maintaining inspection points.This image reflects government measures taken to protect the fruit industry in Victoria.A transparent sticker designed to be applied to a car window for motorists to pass through Department of Agriculture fruit fly control points. Instructions for applying the sticker to the window are written on the back of the sticker. It features a large coloured image of a fruit fly as well as a smaller life sized representation of a fruit fly.Around the edge of the circle: "DON'T SPREAD FRUIT FLY/ VICTORIAN DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE? Beside small fruit fly image: "Actual Size"fruit fly control, department of agriculture, fruit fly pass