A BLUEPRINT for the future of industry that identifies opportunities across the Mid North Coast was launched in Taree on this week, before an audience including government and industry representatives, and business people.
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The investment prospectus, titled Mid North Coast [Connected], was created by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast with the aim of attracting public and private investment into the region (Greater Taree to Coffs Harbour).
"It's also to take away the perception we are just a tourist destination because we are so much more than that," said CEO of RDA-MNC Lorraine Gordon.
"With the upgrade of the Pacific Highway in full swing this region is now a stone's throw from some of Australia's largest industrial centres and an ideal distribution point for businesses trading between Sydney and Brisbane.
"By launching Mid North Coast [Connected] we want to show potential investors another side to the region: an industrial paradise of low cost land, affordable housing, ever-increasing connectivity and a highly skilled workforce."
In a deliberate design choice that focuses on industry, the front cover of the glossy 32-page publication features a factory and not the typical person on the beach that often showcases the region.
"The prospectus highlights what we have, opportunities for industry in the Mid North Coast and a call to action," said Mrs Gordon.
It contains a list of investment-ready industrial sites and the names and numbers of people to call as well as contacts for local government and Chambers of Commerce throughout the Mid North Coast.
"The aim is to highlight the areas where there is enormous potential for growth.
"It's about jobs and encouraging people to go into industries where we believe there is a future."
Those key growth industries include health, aged care and horticulture as well as education and training, manufacturing, construction and retail.
The booklet also gives an overview of the Mid North Coast, information about aviation precincts, the regional economy, tourism, lifestyle and housing.
Mrs Gordon gave credit to RDA Mid North Coast communications manager Justyn Walker, who was the content editor.
"It's his baby and he's done a fantastic job.
"We have put in the research and crunched the numbers. We know where things are heading.
"We don't want all the young people going off to Sydney.
"We want to keep young people here and show them the pathways and the sort of industries they should be looking at."
She said the focus is on the region working together as a whole.
"This is an opportunity to work together as a region and not lose out."
She thanked the NSW Department of Industry, who were the major funding partner for the project.
The prospectus is now with local councils, government representatives, chamber of commerce groups and industry representatives.
It is expected to be distributed around the world, with Mrs Gordon pointing out that the previous publication went to 17 countries.
It is also available online through the RDA Mid North Coast website.
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lauren.green@fairfaxmedia.com.au