The marginal NSW South Coast seat was vacated last week when popular Labor member Mike Kelly retired due to ill health.

Mr Constance on Tuesday confirmed he would put his hand up for Liberal pre-selection, with nominations closing on Friday.

He made the announcement in Narooma which is in his state seat of Bega - which he's held since 2003 - and also Eden-Monaro.

Mr Constance said he wanted to put "a number of issues squarely on the national agenda when it comes to recovery" from the summer's bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite saying in March he would quit politics after bushfire recovery was complete, Mr Constance on Tuesday said he couldn't turn his back on his community.

"There are too many people hurt by this. We've got broken people," Mr Constance told reporters.

When asked if people in his current electorate would see the nomination as a quick escape, Mr Constance said "cutting and running would be to turn away and go and pick up a corporate job somewhere and turn my back on the crisis that we're in".

Spruiking his qualifications Mr Constance pointed to his 17 years in state politics - nine of them as a minister - and his ties to the electorate.

"Ultimately people just want someone who can give it a go, be honest, and I think I can bring something special given that statewide experience," he said.

"I'm putting myself forward ... because I think I'm the best person to be able to lead our community out of these incredibly troubling times."

Liberal senator Jim Molan and the Liberals' 2019 candidate Fiona Kotvojs are also believed to be considering a run in Eden-Monaro.

NSW Liberal Party president Philip Ruddock told AAP on Monday he thought the party potentially "had a Melbourne Cup field" contesting the pre-selection.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced on Monday he would not contest the seat for the Nationals.

Mr Barilaro reportedly sent scathing text messages to federal Nationals leader Michael McCormack accusing the deputy prime minister of failing to support him because he felt "threatened".

"Michael. Please do not contact me. Your lack of public enthusiasm or support for my candidacy went a long way to my final decision," Mr Barilaro wrote in the leaked messages according to Sky News.

"Don't hide behind the 'members will choose the candidate' rubbish, as you were the only one saying such lines.

"To feel threatened by me clearly shows you have failed your team and failed as a leader."

Mr Barilaro and Mr McCormack have been contacted for comment.

Bega mayor Kristy McBain has been selected as Labor's candidate, saying in a statement on Monday she was honoured by the endorsement.

"I love these people and want to keep working for them, in the same way Mike Kelly worked tirelessly to deliver for the area," Ms McBain said.

Australian Associated Press