Murray Darling Basin chief has dismissed push for commission following mass fish death

A high-level inquiry into the Barwon Darling would risk destroying the historic agreement to save Australia’s most iconic river system, its managers warn. The special commission was prompted following last week’s mass fish death.

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A high-level inquiry into the Barwon Darling would risk destroying the historic agreement to save Australia’s most iconic river system, its managers warn.

Murray Darling Basin Authority chief executive Phillip Glyde has dismissed the state Opposition’s push for a special commission prompted by last week’s mass fish death in the Menindee Lakes.

Mr Glyde, who fronted up to an emergency meeting in Canberra on Tuesday, said he understood the concerns and criticism but said another review would only put the Murray Darling Basin Plan in jeopardy.

The shocking death of a massive amount of fish in Menindee Lakes has prompted a special commission. Picture: Facebook

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“I can really understand why people would question the umpire. You are dealing with people’s livelihoods and the future of an Australian icon,” he said.

But he said there were already regular reviews and that he was concerned that not only would a “very large” review take years and drain resources, it would also do little to solve the problem of restoring balance to the river system.

“Right now the plan that’s in place has … magically got bipartisan support, six governments have signed up to it,” he said.

“It really strikes me as going to be hard to come up with a better plan that will be agreed on.”

NSW Opposition Leader Michael Daley said he was determined to get to the bottom of the “scandal” and would make it his first step, if elected, to set up an inquiry into water management on the Barwon Darling River System with powers similar to a royal commission.

Murray Darling Basin Authority CEO Phillip Glyde has dismissed the push for a special commission. Picture: Kym Smith

NSW Opposition Leader Michael Daley said he would set up an inquiry into water management if he wins the election. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The NSW government has come under fire for saving water by reducing evaporation in the Menindee Lakes rather than making further reductions to the water used by northern irrigators.

The Greens have also been critical of the MDBA’s decision to drain some water from lakes twice in the past four years.

Mr Glyde said the trouble with Menindee was that “if we don’t use it we lose it”.

“It makes perfect sense to use the water that is going to evaporate first. It was used to keep communities and farmers going,” he said.

But he conceded that in hindsight it was impossible to know if it was the right decision given the recent weather conditions.

“I don’t have evidence to say if we didn’t use the water at that particular time it would’ve stopped the fish kill,” he said.

Federal Water Minister David Littleproud wants states to agree to look for a way to look after native fish. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Federal Water Minister David Littleproud wants states to agree to use $5 million from Murray-Darling Basin funds for a strategy to look after native fish.

NSW Water Minister Niall Blair said that the death of about one million fish was caused by a “perfect storm” of factors including drought, severely low water flow, algal blooms and a sudden drop in temperature.

On Tuesday he announced 16 aerators would be deployed across the state in an attempt to minimise the risk of further deaths by increasing oxygen in the water.

Four will be installed in the Darling River as an “immediate priority”.

Originally published as Murray Darling Basin chief has dismissed push for commission following mass fish death