Sector experts say the shortage is spilling into other sectors as nurses, aged care workers, teachers and other essential workers are unable to return to work when their children are young.

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As many as 50 children compete for a spot in some areas, with some of the worst access in the surrounds of Nambucca Heads, Bellingen and Valla.

A 2023 survey by Regional Development Australia found that 52 percent of local families are not able to secure childcare.

Jay Weatherill from the Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign said governments must act to ensure all children and families, regardless of their postcode, have access to childcare and early learning.

“Universally accessible early childhood education and care would not just support all children to thrive, but allow regional, rural and remote communities to flourish,” said Mr Weatherill.

“Without sufficient early education and care, thousands of parents – usually mothers – are left unable to work and support their families on their own terms.

“This leaves families financially worse-off, children more likely to start school developmentally vulnerable and local businesses and essential workforces facing staffing constraints, as we’re seeing on the NSW Mid North Coast.”

In December the Federal Government announced they would spend $1 billion to build or expand more than 160 early learning centres in underserved areas of the country.

“We’re calling on all parties to commit to improving access to early education in Australia’s regions, so that every child and family can thrive,” Ms Butler said.

A 2024 study by Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute found that about 24 percent of Australia’s population live in areas classified as ‘childcare deserts’ – where there are more than three children per childcare place.

It also found about 700,000 Australians live in areas with virtually no access to childcare at all.

“We know that high-quality accessible childcare has huge benefits, for both workforce participation and helping young children to thrive,” said Mitchell Institute Director and report lead author, Associate Professor Peter Hurley.

“Governments around the world are committing billions of dollars, pounds and euros to increase the supply of childcare, without much understanding of the best way to do it.”