The Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), announced by NSW treasurer Daniel Mookhey earlier this month, will result in selected projects receiving additional support to help fast-track NSW planning and environmental approvals from a dedicated team run by the NSW government, and will shortly open expressions of interest for projects.
To be eligible, a project, other than hotel infrastructure which has lower thresholds. must be valued at more than A$1 billion (approx. US$656.8 million), be primarily non-residential and related to data centres and technology, renewable energy or energy security. Applicants must also “demonstrate a capability to commence development quickly”, and “identify where government can play a role in resolving barriers”, according to newly released criteria.
Kirstie Richards, an expert in planning law at Pinsent Masons, said: “The IDA will provide advice on navigating the planning system and help unblock issues when engaging with other NSW regulators and agencies in relation to applications.”
“It will also be able to assist with potential reforms to remove hurdles for private investment and offer government assistance to support chosen projects,” she said.
“These initiatives are an example of how the NSW government is trying to ensure major projects are delivered quickly and efficiently.”
The IDA will also offer increased support to hotels and accommodations projects valued at more than $200 million to increase diverse and high-quality accommodation in NSW. The NSW government has set a target of growing its tourism and visitor sector to A$91 billion by 2035 and has flagged a need for an additional 40,000 new hotel rooms in the state.
A$17.7 million was allocated in the 2025-26 state budget for the IDA, which is being modelled on the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA). The HDA was launched at the beginning of the year to streamline the development of major housing projects.
The IDA is planning to open expressions of interest from projects in “the coming weeks”.