When threats were levelled at Niall Blair, his family and his staff for his management of water policy, he knew it was time to step down from the New South Wales ministry.

Key points: Niall Blair says he faced fierce criticism and social media threats during trips to western NSW

Niall Blair says he faced fierce criticism and social media threats during trips to western NSW He stands by his performance as a minister

He stands by his performance as a minister Mr Blair says he timed the announcement so that it wouldn't be a distraction from the NSW Coalition's election campaign

The Nationals MLC has resigned from his portfolios of primary industries, regional water and trade and industry, one day after the NSW Coalition won the state election.

He also has decided not to continue as the NSW National Party's deputy leader, but will remain as a backbencher in the Legislative Council.

In an emotional interview, Mr Blair said it was not just the personal threats that had taken their toll.

"It was also the level of aggression generally and a lot of the comments and questioning the motivations behind decisions," Mr Blair said.

"It wasn't just to me or my family, my staff had to put up with a hell of a lot and that's not okay."

The NSW Coalition has been accused by some people of not doing enough to support drought-affected communities and was criticised for its water management, in particular the Menindee fish kills and the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

It was during trips to western NSW that Mr Blair faced fierce criticism and received threats via social media.

On one visit, Mr Blair's office told the ABC that police had advised him to avoid protesters and face the media at another location as a security precaution, however, this claim was disputed by police.

Mr Blair has criticised those who lashed out.

"Where were they on the ballot paper?

"They didn't have the guts to put their names forward.

"They're pretty tough sitting behind social media or threats."

He stands by his performance as a minister.

"I had to make decisions for the whole of NSW and that's not easy, it takes a toll particularly when you sit around a kitchen table or in a meeting and someone will tell you they are at the wrong end of the decision.

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"A lot of things that people have claimed are incorrect.

"Because of water management there are some communities that actually have water at the moment.

"Their rivers would have run dry some time ago."

But Mr Blair said it had not all been negative.

He said he had received handwritten notes and letters from farmers across NSW thanking the State Government for waiving Local Land Services rates, providing some temporary financial relief.

"The fact that people took the time to write handwritten notes from all across the state … that was pretty special."

Mr Blair said he timed the announcement so that it did not distract from the NSW Coalition's election campaign.

The Nationals have lost two seats in western NSW — Murray and Barwon have been won by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF).

The SFF has retained the seat of Orange, which it won from the Nationals in a 2016 by-election, ending the party's 69-year hold on the electorate.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP, Philip Donato, celebrates holding on to the seat of Orange in the 2019 NSW election. ( ABC News: Joanna Woodburn )

Big swing to SFF

The SFF member for Orange, Philip Donato, experienced a swing of more than 36 per cent.

"A lot of people say we don't like the party, but we like you, so we're voting for you," Mr Donato said.

"I started my campaign for this election the day after I was elected in November 2016."

Mr Donato said he believed the tide had turned against the Nationals because of dissatisfaction with the party's performance and changing demographics, with Orange no longer a conservative farming community.

"I wonder if it's just a protest vote? Did people just vote for me just to send a message?" Mr Donato said.

His SFF colleague Helen Dalton, who won the southern NSW seat of Murray, said her party had struck a nerve with farmers and regional communities.

"It tells a story about how we've been neglected over the past 35 years and we want to turn that around," Ms Dalton said.

"It's a grassroots party; we're listening to the people."

Ms Dalton said she was confident the SFF MPs would be able to make a difference, despite there being no change to the Coalition leadership.