Support for the Nationals has collapsed in a seat once considered the party's heartland.
Although several thousand votes are yet to be added to the tally in the federal seat of Richmond, the Nationals are in third place with their primary vote down by more than 12 per cent.
"It is disappointing," said former National Party president Larry Anthony junior.
"I think the story is for all political parties is that there does need to be a renewal.
"I think it is hard for the National Party across the broader Richmond electorate because the membership is getting quite elderly."
The Anthony dynasty
Richmond was held by the Country/National Party from 1922 to 1990, and again from 1996 to 2004.
It is known as the home of the Anthony family dynasty.
Larry Anthony senior was the local member from 1937 to 1957, his son and former deputy prime minister Doug Anthony took over and served as the local MP until 1984, and his son, Larry Anthony junior, held the seat between 1996 and 2004.
Mr Anthony junior said times and voters had changed across the electorate.
"You've got three shires there," he said.
"Tweed is still quite strong for the Nationals and across the country it shouldn't be forgotten that the National Party has not lost a seat.
"(But) what we have seen, particularly with the Greens, is that there is a renaissance with the next generation."
Turning Green?
Greens candidate Mandy Nolan, a popular local comedian, led the primary vote when counting stopped on Saturday night.
She is now second, behind the ALP's sitting member, Justine Elliot, with almost 25 per cent of the primary vote.
Ms Nolan is unwilling to concede defeat at this stage, but is already looking to the next election.
"I'm so energised by what we've achieved, and I think we're only beginning.
"I really do feel that we're going to turn Richmond green. I hope this time but definitely next."
Key seat for ALP
Justine Elliot won the seat for Labor in 2004 and has held it since.
She has claimed victory in this poll but the result is on the back of a swing away from both major parties, with the ALP's primary vote falling by about 3 per cent.
"Every election here is close, that's the reality of elections in our region," Ms Elliot said.
The vagaries of preferential voting mean that, despite a drop in her primary vote, Ms Elliot is likely to be returned with an increased majority of more than 8 per cent on the back of either Nationals or Green preferences.
