It was certainly a North-Coast-versus-the-rest debate on the conference floor at Cowra.

Those supporting end of preferential voting cited fears that Lismore, Tweed and Clarence could go the way of Ballina in 2015 and fall to the Greens or Labor, despite a Nationals candidate winning the primary vote, as happened to Kris Beavis.

The same fate befell Scott Barrett and the Nationals in Orange at the 2016 byelection.

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Coffs Harbour MP Andrew Fraser, who will be retiring at the election, said first-past-the-post was crucial for the Nationals to hold on to the rapidly-changing North Coast. 

"In 1999 we would have won Parkes and Dubbo,” he said. 

“In recent years first past the post would have put us in a commanding position on the North Coast.

“We put signs out on the road that says 'Vote 1 Nationals'. If that's not first past the post, what is?"

Speakers against the motion said it was undemocratic, and risked inciting targeted campaigns for rival parties and protest groups. Also, some pointed out the Nationals had benefited from preferential voting. 

“Many times we have depended on assistance from Liberals and Independents,” one delegate delcared. 

“(First past the post) would galvanise other parties to draw on our vote."

Murray MP Austin Evans said: "If you have first past the post, you'd have a system that can be gamed."

Upper House MP Ben Franklin has been rumoured to be considering a tilt to get Ballina back off the Greens in 2019.

Mr Franklin has not confirmed he will contest, but party leader John Barilaro said the Ballina-based MP would be a strong candidate “who would worry the Greens”.

The Land