Ms Nash was disqualified from sitting in Parliament last Thursday when the High Court found her to be a dual citizen, because her father was born in Scotland.

“There’s no way back for Fiona in the short term,” Mr Coulton said.

“The position is to be decided by the electoral commission as to the next person on that senate ticket. That person will be a Liberal so there’s an issue there with the balance of members [in the coalition].

“Fiona’s incredibly experienced, with the 12 or so years she’s been a member. Her experience will be lost to the Parliament, which will be difficult.”

Earlier this year Ms Nash visited Narromine and Trangie at the invitation of the Narromine Shire Council, leaving mayor Craig Davies hopeful for the future.

At the time, councillor Davies expressed his delight that a “senior politician” had really listened to the community’s concerns about the future of the Macquarie River.