The report by the specially appointed Regional Housing Taskforce released on October 1 has found the majority of regional NSW is straining under housing pressure.

The report's findings were based off 400 submissions state-wide, and 48 in the Riverina Murray region.

Chair of the committee Garry Fielding said information gathered in the Riverina Murray region pointed to a lack of housing stock as the primary culprit.

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"Housing and rental availability is a serious problem, there's no doubt about that," Mr Fielding said.

"There is no local government area in the Riverina that gets anywhere near a 3 per cent rental vacancy rate," he added. "It really is making it very difficult for people on lower incomes to afford housing."

He said while 3 per cent rental vacancy is considered a balanced rate, Wagga has experienced under 0.9 per cent for the past year.

The report found five main factors contributing to housing problems in the region including a shortage of rental properties, infrastructure, skilled workers, and diverse housing as well as planning proposals.

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Single mum Kathleen Heritage was one person who fell victim to the shortage of rentals in 2021. Earlier this year, she detailed a 'crushing' 12-month search for a rental to The Daily Advertiser, and she says the report is way overdue.

"It's about time," she said. "It should have been done a year or 18 months ago, there are still so many people who can't find a house in Wagga."

Ms Heritage said homeless became a scary fear when she was searching for a home in the current climate.

"Being a single mum, the fear of being homeless with my children was so in my head and my heart," she said.

Housing shortage threatens 100k future

Mr Fielding said finding a solution to the problem will be critical as the city grows. "Being able to provide all the necessary infrastructure in a timely manner will be quite important to that [100,000 population target]," he said.

In a detailed seven-page submission to the committee, Wagga City Council called for greater support from all levels of government in tackling the housing shortage.

Director of Regional Activation Michael Keys said keeping up with demand as the city keeps growing requires an "all government" approach.

"Our infrastructure, planning and provision will be critical to how we can actually manage the demand [of growth]," he said.

"That's why we need support and assistance from State and Federal Government to help not only finance, but to provide other versions of affordable housing across the city."

The taskforce will submit its recommendations later this month.

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