Crisis talks on fish kill

WITH the spectre of more dead fish looming over NSW, one state minister has warned against an emergency meeting of stakeholders becoming an ineffective talk-fest.

Up to a million fish are dead in the Darling River at Menindee and more are likely to perish in coming days as temperatures rise.

Despite criticism from scientists and environmental advocates who say mismanagement of water is to blame, the federal and NSW governments are adamant drought is behind the deaths.

Federal Water Minister David Littleproud has asked the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to convene a meeting of water managers and environmental water holders this week.

The Federal Government wants states to agree to use $5 million from Murray Darling Basin funds for a strategy to look after native fish.

NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair, pictured, called for an end to blameshifting, saying the Murray Darling Basin Plan was settled in December.

“Holding a talk-fest that does not identify any new water solutions to help the Menindee community does not help anyone,” Mr Blair said.