The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is hosting a Regional Housing Roundtable in Dubbo with Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey, to address the housing and workforce pressures facing inland NSW.

HIA Chief Executive, Industry and Policy Simon Croft said Dubbo's experience reflects the challenges faced by many growing regional centres, where strong migration and job growth are outpacing housing and infrastructure delivery.

“Dubbo has become one of inland NSW's strongest regional hubs, but the local housing system is struggling to keep up,” Mr Croft said.

“The cost of renting or buying has climbed sharply, and builders are telling us they can't find enough qualified trades or materials to meet demand.

“Census data shows the Dubbo Regional LGA now supports a population approaching 55,000, with the median weekly rent for family homes rising beyond $600, among the fastest increases in regional NSW. Local builders cite prolonged planning approvals and shortages of skilled trades as key barriers to boosting supply.

“Dubbo is a perfect example of why regional housing policy matters.

“We need to make it easier to get projects approved, support councils with infrastructure investment and grow the local construction workforce.

“HIA's Housing the Regions report outlines a plan to accelerate housing delivery in regional Australia, calling for better coordination between housing, planning and infrastructure, more land release and targeted workforce strategies.

“Regional Australia can play a leading role in solving the national housing crisis.

“If governments get the settings right, Dubbo and towns like it can be central to building Australia's future,” concluded Mr Croft.

The roundtable will be from 11.30am to 12.30pm at Quality Inn Dubbo International, 65 Whylandra St, Dubbo, followed a visit to a local building site.