As guest speaker at the launch, which took place in the Greater Taree City Council chambers, Mr Barilaro called the publication a "blueprint" for the future that identified opportunities across the region.

He praised their forward thinking saying "there are not a lot of regions prepared for the future".

He said it was an exciting time for New South Wales, describing it as a "decade of opportunity" for the State government.

"In the future we will look back and see the time as a turning point for the State.

"We want to invest in diversity and in our young people.

"One of the things our government likes to do is work with the private sector and this publication identified levers to facilitate investment.

"We are building diversity like we have never done before and identifying strengths and working towards it.

"This is a blueprint that concentrates on the positives and is about setting agendas.

"The government will play a part by unlocking impediments and facilitating development."

He also talked about TAFE and the opportunity for students to gain skills.

"We need leadership and a plan to go forward,'' he said.

"The idea is to look regionally and not just at our little town or our city, and the benefits will flow."

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead also spoke at the launch, promoting TAFE and the training opportunities for young people.

"We need to get young people jobs for industries and skill them in the industries that we so desperately need."

He said TAFE North Coast has received record enrolments for courses related to the building industry and he also highlighted that Taree would be receiving a nurse education and training facility.

Mr Bromhead said he was 100 per cent committed to looking for every opportunity to bring growth to industry in his electorate.

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lauren.green@fairfaxmedia.com.au