Minister Melinda Pavey will be appointed as the Minister for Water and has been touted to "take a laser like focus" to resolving issues affecting regional communities, according to the National party leader John Barilaro.

While many have high hopes for what Ms Pavey will achieve, Mr Barilaro said the Nationals will "need to continue" to work with regional communities on water issues.

He believes Ms Pavey will work hard to make sure communities, especially those in Murray and Barwon, have safe and secure access to water.

However despite having "no doubt" these issues played a significant part in the losses of those seats, Mr Barilaro remains vague on how exactly the party will change their approach.

"It is disappointing the Shooters Party have won the seats of Murray and Barwon," Mr Barilaro said.

"They are heartland seats for the National Party and shows the impact the worsening drought is having on our communities.

"As more pressure is put on our river system and water resources we will need to continue to work with those communities to make sure they have access to safe and clean water at all times."

He says while those communities "under the extreme pressure of drought" struck out against the government, people in regional NSW have voted to put the Nationals back in government for a third term.

"The preference deal between Labor and the Shooters has worked, and put two more Shooters in Parliament," he said.

But he said the party has only seen a slight 0.6 per cent swing away from them despite losing these two seats. 

He remained steadfast in his commitment that the NSW Nationals will continue to work for the electorate of Murray to make the region a "thriving and prosperous place to live."

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Mr Barilaro previously thanked his outgoing deputy Niall Blair and former water minister for his "tireless efforts" during a difficult period for the state's regions.

Mr Blair announced he was stepping down from cabinet despite the coalition's victory, saying the hostility directed at him after millions of fish died in NSW's inland rivers had significantly impacted his family life.

"The costs personally and more recently professionally, have taken their toll," he said in a statement.

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