Historical information

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.

Significance

This image reflects government measures taken to protect the fruit industry in Victoria.

Physical description

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.

Inscriptions & markings

Around the edge of the circle: "DON'T SPREAD FRUIT FLY/ VICTORIAN DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE?
Beside small fruit fly image: "Actual Size"