One of two nominations contesting National Party preselection for the seat of New England, Senator Joyce is out and about meeting with the party faithful and the constituents of New England who will determine his fate if he secures the opportunity to contest the seat held by Tony Windsor with a massive majority.

The Queensland senator, who is to address a Young Nationals conference at Tweed Heads today, visited media outlets at Barraba and Manilla before a stop at Walcha Road near his old stomping ground of Woolbrook.

Last night Mr Joyce met with business people in Armidale before heading to Tweed Heads this morning.

Local and national media are following his campaign to overthrow Tony Windsor, with the Australian Financial Review meeting with Senator Joyce at the Walcha Road Hotel for a feature article.

The senator has got plenty of work to do, with agricultural software designer David Gregory the other candidate seeking the Nationals’ nomination.

Senator Joyce said he wasn’t concerned about Mr Gregory’s nomination, saying he knew he had the backing of key National Party members and voters.

“Me being in this position has been inspired by locals wanting me to run for the seat. I know I can win,” he said.

“In saying that, if Mr Gregory wins, I’ll support him 100 per cent.”

According to Mr Joyce, what sets him apart is his experience and knowledge of politics, as well as a strong support base.

“The big difference is experience in politics, in the rough-and-tumble and the brutal reality of bargaining processes. I’m offering voters a proven member of the Coalition,” he said.

Senator Joyce is not worried about comments made by Tony Windsor, who has held the seat since November 2001, about his lack of connection to the area and that his campaign was about himself and not the people of New England. Mr Windsor described him as “second-choice Joyce”.

Senator Joyce grew up in the Woolbrook area but hasn’t lived in the electorate since he was a young accountant, living at Werris Creek and working at a Caroona feedlot.

“Our property has been in the family for 50 years and we’re not about to let go of that. The New England is my home. We’ve lived at a lot of places in Queensland, but every Christmas and Easter is spent here,” he said.