Dr Townley also resigned from the party and will contest the state seat of Coffs Harbour as an independent.

That decision stunned many within The Greens party.

Dr Townley launched her bid for Cowper in August 2018 but pulled out of the race in late January.

The delay in naming a candidate for Cowper could harm its chances of recording a strong vote, given the recent increase in support of renewable energy and downturn in interest in coal-fired power stations.

The Greens' Cowper campaign coordinator, Jonathan Cassell, said Dr Townley's decision had definitely surprised a few people.

"However, I think many members also accept Sally has invested a tremendous amount of time in her local role as a councillor (on Coffs Harbour City Council) and we see this largely as a fair call,” he said.

The party has started the process to find a new Cowper candidate and hopes to stage a preselection as soon as possible. “We are ready to move on,” Mr Cassell said in January.

This week Mr Cassell said The Greens were concentrating on the state election where Drusi Megget is a candidate in Port Macquarie. Mr Cassell is contesting Coffs Harbour for The Greens.

"We expect to name a candidate for Cowper following the state election result," he said.

But the rise of a new party spruiking environmental credentials - Sustainable Australia - could place enormous pressure on The Greens. 

Sustainable Australia will contest the March 23 state election with 21 candidates in the race for the Senate and 55 candidates contesting the Lower House. Lake Cathie resident Jan Burgess has won the selection race for Sustainable Australia and will contest the state seat of Port Macquarie.

On its website, Sustainable Australia says it is an independent party from the political centre, with a positive agenda to secure an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable Australia.

It has "developed a comprehensive policy platform", it says.

Some of its policy priorities include, secure jobs, affordable housing, better planning and a sustainable environment and population.

Climate Change Australia – Hastings' spokesperson Harry Creamer says the group does not comment on the preselection procedures of any political party.

"We are not affiliated with any party," he said. "Our group will support any party that has effective policies on the climate and energy.

"We are looking for real action on the climate from all parties and independent candidates standing in the Cowper election."

Mr Creamer said Climate Change Australia - Hastings, alongside other climate action groups within the Cowper electorate, will be issuing a list of demands for each party to meet.

"We will also be issuing a how to vote guide based on climate and energy policies," he added.

The state election is on March 23. Candidates for Port Macquarie are, Peter Alley, Country Labor; Leslie Williams, The Nationals, Drusi Megget, The Greens and, Jan Burgess Sustainable Australia.

A federal election is due in May and the candidates are, The Natioanls' Pat Conaghan, Country Labor's Andrew Woodward, Independent Rob Oakeshott.

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