One of the main areas Mr Conaghan wants to focus on in the Macleay Valley is unemployment.

"Across the area there are different reasons for unemployment, in Coffs Harbour it's mainly because of transport issues, but Kempsey has different issues relating to unemployment," he said.

"In Coffs Harbour we got a committee together to discuss what can be done about their unemployment issue and I am organising the same strategy for Kempsey.

"Getting the school principals, the Vocational College, council and Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey together with employers to identify where jobs will be for Kempsey in the future will be the first step."

Investing in a industrial park in South Kempsey is another way Mr Conaghan hopes to tackle the issue.

"An industrial park will being in more jobs to the region and will allow businesses to invest in the Kempsey area," he said.

"Kempsey is also the perfect location for the Department of Agriculture, it would be a huge boost for the community. That's something I am trying to get for Kempsey."

Mr Conaghan said he is also following up on promises made leading up to the election.

"I met with Michael McCormack last week to talk about the commitments made prior to the election," he said.

"I don't want to be here in 12 months time asking where the funding is. I'm pushing hard for the funding for these projects to be made available as soon as possible.

"The Headspace that was announced for Kempsey is at the top of the list."

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