Mr McCormack yesterday earned praise from the region's leaders for his achievements over the past three years, as well as for the dignified manner in which he handled Monday's events.

Former Riverina MP and current federal Nationals president Kay Hull said she was not privy to the discussions inside the Nationals party room and the reasons given for the vote against Mr McCormack.

"They are entitled to make that decision ... It's disappointing but I'm very proud of Michael McCormack and the fact that he went to Parliament as the Member for Riverina and has risen to the heights of Deputy PM," Mrs Hull said. "He has been extraordinarily dignified in this whole process and the way in which he has presented himself post the decision by the party room."

Ms Hull said "keeping our regional airlines in the air" during the pandemic was one of Mr McCormack's greatest achievements.

Wagga MP Joe McGirr said he hoped and expected that the region would not suffer any policy impacts from no longer having its MP serve as Deputy PM.

"Michael McCormack brought leadership and much-needed stability to the role of Deputy PM," Dr McGirr said.

"This has been particularly important during the time of the COVID-19 pandemics, when his hard-working, decent and professional approach has been invaluable.

"One of his great achievements as Deputy Prime Minister has been the Murray-Darling Medical School network, which will be recognised as one of the great developments in rural health."

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Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang said the medical school network would have an impact lasting for generations due to the new rural GPs training in Wagga.

"We may not see the benefit for one or two decades, but when those trainees do come through and start practicing in rural and regional communities, that will be the legacy that Michael leaves," Mr Fang said.

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey was in Canberra on Monday morning for a local government conference.

"I'm disappointed. Michael has, I believe, shown strong leadership. I'm not quite sure of the message [the party's decision] is sending out to the community," Cr Conkey said.

Cr Conkey said Mr McCormack had been very supportive of Wagga and the electorate and a strong supporter of the Inland Rail upgrade.

"It gave us a higher profile to have him as Deputy PM and acting PM from time to time, but I don't think we will suffer as a consequence [of the leadership spill]," Cr Conkey said.

Yerong Creek farmer and former Lockhart Shire mayor Peter Yates said Mr McCormack had listened to people in the region and had done his best for them.

Temora mayor Rick Firman said he had been involved in Mr McCormack's presentation ahead of his election in 2010 and he stood out for his tenacity and vision to improve the Riverina. "Even his arch-enemies will say: 'you know what? He's a bloody good bloke'. Nobody can deny that." he said.

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