Alliance National Coordinator Andrew Bray said wind energy is offering New England a once-in-a-generation opportunity for economic transformation.

“If Mr Windsor's candidacy helps put wind energy on the agenda and its contribution to the future of agriculture and the regions that can only be a good thing,’ he said.

“The Abbott government slashed the renewable energy target but the rise of Malcolm Turnbull has given wind and solar a reprieve.

“The government of which Mr Joyce is Deputy Prime Minister can show it is serious about the economic development of regions like New England by promoting renewable energy.”

Mr Bray said the Nationals need to show locals a clear agenda on renewable energy.

“They need to explain to the community a clear policy agenda that shows how the government will drive renewable energy investment post-2020,’ he said.

“It will be critical to ensuring New England reaps the benefit of its world-class wind resource.”

Tony Windsor said more renewable energy investment will be a good source of jobs in New England.

"We've got a current local member who thinks renewable energy is a bit of a joke,’ he said.

“The reason I am standing is that I have to stand up for the sorts of things that give people in my region that I come from the greatest opportunities and I am not prepared to see the people of New England treated as second class citizens as far as climate change, drought mitigation and renewable energy.”

Barnaby Joyce has said that former Prime Minister Tony Abbott had a point when he called wind farms ugly and noisy.

"I hate to say it, but I agree, wind farms are one of those things that everybody likes as long as it's not in their backyard,” he said.