Cr Lawrence will submit a motion at the March Dubbo Regional Council meeting in response to "rising house prices, the low vacancy rate and community concern as to housing affordability and supply".

On his list of requests is for council to identify any shortages of particular housing types and whether there is an appropriate business role for council in property development in areas like units.

"I remember in the first six months on council saying that we cannot be frightened of high density housing in Dubbo for a whole lot of reasons, not least environmental sustainability and the cost of providing services and resources," Cr Lawrence said.

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"I think densification of suburban areas in big cities and small cities is a really important part of planning."

Cr Lawrence agreed council was doing enough but said it was important to "always have a good hard look at what you're doing and make sure that if there's something more that you can do that you're considering it".

Once all the information is gathered, Cr Lawrence has requested a stakeholder meeting to discuss solutions to solving the housing shortage.

Meanwhile, Real Estate Institute NSW - Orana Division has offered its support to council to help develop a real estate strategy.

President Adam Wells has raised concerns about the shortage of rental accommodation threatening to impact on attracting employees.

"Along with much of Regional NSW, Dubbo has recorded a very low vacancy rate since mid-2020 as COVID changed the demand for rental property in NSW. Dubbo is now facing a crisis of available rental housing to cater for employees to fill the new jobs becoming available in Dubbo," Mr Wells said.

"Planning is important to know the number of new employees who will require rental accommodation and the number of properties likely to be available in the next one to two years."

REINSW - Orana Division will deliver a letter to council's acting chief executive officer on April 1 to develop a proposal for a whole of residential industry forum.

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