HOUSING and the shortage of workers are the two targets called out by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) as hampering the advancement of the regions, following the launch of the first progress report into the landmark Regionalisation Ambition in Canberra on Wednesday.

A population surge to regional Australia has continued over the past 12 months, with 9.6 million people now calling the regions home, however building approvals have declined and finding staff to fill critical roles has become tougher.