Independent Joe McGirr has retained the state seat of Wagga after initially claiming it last year following the resignation of long-time Liberal Daryl Maguire.

But, in a major rebuff to the Nationals, in particular, Austin Evans has lost the seat of Murray to Shooters, Farmers and Fishers Party candidate, Helen Dalton.

She unsuccessfully challenged Mr Evans two years ago in a by-election as a result of the retirement of former education minister, Adrian Piccoli, and previously stood as an independent in 2015.

The last non-Coalition MP to hold Murray was independent Joe Lawson, who had been a Country Party MP from 1932 to 1967 when he lost the party preselection.

He subsequently won two more elections as an independent.

Fuelling Mr Mack's optimism of toppling Liberal Sussan Ley in the upcoming federal election is the Murray electorate including some of Farrer's major population centres outside Albury in Deniliquin, Leeton and Griffith.

But first-time candidate Liberal candidate and veterinarian Justin Clancy comfortably held onto Albury following the retirement of Greg Aplin.

"It's encouraging to see that people want change and have voted accordingly," Mr Mack said.

"Whilst Albury didn't, it doesn't mean that they don't (want change).

"The issues in the federal election are distinctly different.

"Interestingly, both Murray and Wagga are in our irrigation regions where farmers received zero water allocation.

"Albury people need to understand if Farrer struggles, business in Albury struggles.

"The impacts of the water issues in Farrer will be felt at the supermarket checkout and with local suppliers and things need to change."

Both Mr Mack and Ms Ley are based in Albury which becomes a pivotal spot in the pursuit of votes for both candidates in a race which also includes Labor's Kieren Drabsch.

Ms Ley said the results in Murray and Wagga continued to "shine a light" on issues, mostly about water, which had existed for some time.

"In one sense I'm not surprised at what I saw in many booths as white-hot anger against the National Party," she said.

"The results in both seats are very local.

"(Mrs Dalton) ran on rural health and for a lot of our smaller towns hospital funding has been an issue."

At the Deniliquin High School booth, Ms Dalton thrashed Mr Evans 425-103 and it was a similar story at Finley High (623-301) and Barooga Public (431-231).

Ms Ley revealed she had been in touch with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack about the need to visit the ares where there were zero water allocations.

"I haven't let up the pressure on my people because those of us who live out here know how hard this is for farmers," she said.

"They've expressed that through a democratic process.

"It is absolutely up to us to listen and act."

Ms Ley said a delegation from the southern Riverina had already asked to meet with Mr Morrison on water issues before the election.

She said a visit to the area was a strong possibility and could have an impact.

"Those conversations happen regularly and I'm sure they will be happening now," she said.

"I think he is a popular figure, I think he is well liked and well respected.

"Even when I travel and people are very unhappy about water policy they have good words to say about the PM.

"The issue for him is he can't be everywhere, but of course I would like him to make a visit."

Mrs Dalton's win was called on Saturday night with more than 60 per cent of votes counted.

Murray voters are expecting great things from their newest member, with the promise of a brand new Griffith Base Hospital in "two years, not 10".

She will also fight for a five-year pause of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

"The National Party have held an iron grip on the electorate, and formed a strong bond with Griffith City Council's mayor and senior management," she said.

The election witnessed mud-slinging from both sides.

Mrs Dalton fought against a "smear campaign" from One Nation and the Nationals who claimed her allegiance with Labor.

"I've spent my whole life fighting against Labor water policies," she said.

"would never do a deal with Labor."

Mrs Dalton said she would work with the crossbench and not with Labor or the Nationals when she finally takes her seat in the NSW parliament.

Ms Ley is headed for Griffith early this week before making a speech to rural women at Condobolin.

Mr Mack is also back on the campaign trail this week with visits to Blighty, Deniliquin, Barham, Wakool, Balranald, Hay, Coleambally, Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera.

But in his present role as Albury mayor, he said of Mr Clancy's victory: "Congratulations to Justin on a well deserved win. We look forward to working with him."

Ms Ley said Mr Clancy had worked "incredibly" hard and deserved his crushing win.

"He quite rightly didn't take the electorate for granted," she said.

"It is comfortably a Liberal seat and demonstrates Albury has faith in our party."

The biggest beneficiary of Mr Clancy's successful election campaign will be Albury Wodonga Health with a promised $45 million for the Albury hospital to be delivered.

The Albury election result consigns Labor to at least another four years in the election wilderness with candidate Laurison Muirhead a late starter to the race.

Given the size of the Liberal win, the darks days might linger longer.

- ADDITIONAL REPORTING AREA NEWS, GRIFFITH