Sheep farmer Andrew Bouffler finally found a graduate to train as an operations manager at his farm outside Lockhart in the Riverina but could not find anywhere for him to live.

“We almost lost him because we could not find anywhere,” Mr Bouffler said. “There have always been 20 houses for rent in town but now there is nothing.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison will attend the Bush Summit in Griffith next month. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

“The sea-change of people coming to the bush because of the pandemic is wonderful but it meant that it was only through luck and a local connection that I managed to find him somewhere,” Mr Bouffler said. “I almost lost the best employee I have ever had.”

The problem is statewide and will be a key talking point at The Daily Telegraph Bush Summit in Griffith on August 27th. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be a keynote speaker at the event.

Griffith mayor John Dal Broi said: “We are very excited to be able to showcase our region to the Prime Minister and the Premier at an event that works to deliver real change to the regions.”

Previous Bush Summits have driven the agenda for jobs, investment and drought proofing the state and the third one in Griffith will bring political, business and community leaders to solve regional problems.

“Certainly affordable housing for workers particularly those coming to help with the grape and citrus harvests is an issue here and across NSW,” Mr Dal Broi said.

The Council has combined with the NSW Government which released Crown land and the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to build 20 affordable housing dwellings together with Argyle Community Housing and create 42 build ready lots for new homes.

Housing Minister Melinda Pavey will be attending the Bush Summit and said “there is opportunity to capitalise on the creative ideas of the private sector, local governments, and the State” to tackle the issue.

“In collaboration with the Department of Regional NSW, we are working to find solutions to address the supply and affordability crisis in the region,” Ms Pavey said. “For every million-dollars spent on social housing we create five jobs including one apprenticeship.”