Minister receives 'direct threats' over mass fish deaths in NSW river

Niall Blair says he has been targeted after locals savaged the local government for the deaths of up to a million fish in the Darling River.

Fishermen in the Darling River at Menindee and Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair. Source: Supplied

NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair has told SBS News he received "direct threats" from members of the public after up to a million fish were found dead in the Darling River system at Menindee, NSW.

Mr Blair was criticised by some locals who claim water levels are low because of the amount diverted to irrigators.

The minister ordered an urgent report from the Department of Primary Industries and WaterNSW into the "devastating" incident, which some residents have labelled a "man-made disaster", but he was ridiculed by locals who claim he avoided them during a visit to Menindee.