The flood of interest has raised the question of whether current visa numbers are high enough given skills shortages across a number of industries in the Riverina.

Regional Development Australia Riverina called for expressions of interest on Tuesday to fill 175 spots and by Wednesday afternoon had received more than 580 entries.

RDA Riverina CEO and director Rachel Whiting said the 489 visa aimed to encourage migration to regional areas, adding the Riverina was particularly attractive as an option.

She said the skills in demand for the Riverina ranged from cotton growers and nurses to mechanical engineers and welders.

"We only nominate occupations that employers tell us they can't find people for," Ms Whiting said.

"The NSW government is given a total number from the Department of Home Affairs, then the NSW government determines how many the regions get."

READ MORE:

Ms Whiting said the government focused on regional migration.

"The Riverina is a great place to live, which is something RDA Riverina is promoting through the 'country change' campaign," she said.

Committee4Wagga CEO Alan Johnston said 175 positions "are simply not enough" as many jobs cannot be filled locally.

"This is something we have to look at for the long term," he said. "If we want to get towards 100,000 [people] we have to respond quickly to new industries and what they need."

Mr Johnston said there are significant gaps in many industries including engineering as well various entry-level and skilled trades.

Faye Anderson, a skilled migrant officer with RDA Riverina, said the next stage is to sort through the requests and pick people who would be best suited for the community.

"I review their skills and qualifications," she said.

"Then, I invite them to make an application for the visa.

"I think you would find all regions inundated with expressions of interest, but regions won't have the same occupations on their lists. Some occupations also have additional qualifications."