The latest data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows possession and use of amphetamines continues to rise with a 59 per cent increase in the Riverina, accounting for a quarter of the rise in regional NSW.

Thomas Gardiner, the under-25 Community Member of the Wagga Crime Prevention Group, said he was not surprised by the figures, adding that ice and drug use has been ravaging the region for years.

"I think it is a job for our politicians to have a look at this," he said.

"It's an issue that should have been addressed [a long time] ago, and our politicians have failed to address it at recent elections. Both Joe McGirr and Michael McCormack need to be doing something."

But the federal member for the Riverina, Michael McCormack said that while more than $780 million of federal money will be committed to the national problem over four years, "the statistics only tell part of the story".

"As there is a determined commitment, both from the federal and state governments, to tackle the scourge of ice it is logical that higher incidences of crimes related to possession and use would show in BOCSAR statistics," Mr McCormack said.

"The increase of amphetamine use is of serious concern which is why the federal government just this week announced more than $140 million to help prevent and reduce harm from alcohol and other drugs."

Meanwhile, member for Wagga Joe McGirr said it is an issue he raised in his two campaigns to date, but there is no simple fix.

"Part of the solution is about making sure we have the appropriate number of police to manage the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs," he said.

"We also need to have appropriate drug and rehab services.

"We need a combined community response to tackle the root cause and assist those trapped as a result of addiction."