Most of the government's National Quality Framework is set to be rolled out across the country by 2013, and will affect most day care, family day care, preschool and outside schools hours care services.

It will require a mandatory 15 hours of pre-school access for all four year-olds by 2013, lower child to staff ratios, a requirement for staff to have higher qualifications, and a minimum age for staff.

Councillor Katis said the allotted timeframe for the changes could hurt communities like Swan Hill and Robinvale.

"(The changes) will also be difficult to achieve with no extra funding or incentive available for childcare providers to meet the new guidelines," Cr Katis said.

"All this will no doubt put pressure on those facilities and local families, as well as on attracting people to the Swan Hill region."

Council's director of community and cultural services Bruce Myers said council would undertake strategic planning of childcare services within the next three months.

Swan Hill Goodstart Early Learning Centre director Sarah O'Meara said parents wishing to register their children at her centre had to join a waiting list with about 50 others.

"We've had parents who were putting their names down in March or April, and they are only getting a spot now," Ms O'Meara said.

Ms O'Meara said there had been an increase in demand for childcare in the last few years, which she believes is driven by the global economic climate.

"There are a lot of mums returning to work because of their financial situations. But there are others who are still keen to do a couple of days' work a week so they stay in touch with their industries," she said.

Ms O'Meara said the new government regulations would have long-term benefits for parents.

"The changes will ensure we're giving children the best we can," she said.

"I don't think any of the changes are going to make it harder for families to find childcare.

"When they do find a vacancy, there's going to be educated childcare workers."