The NSW Government has confirmed the first group of projects to receive support through the newly established Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), with sixteen proposals collectively representing $34.4 billion in potential private sector investment.
Fourteen of the endorsed proposals are energy developments valued at about $34 billion. Two additional projects involve new hotel developments linked to the state’s visitor economy plans.
The IDA has been established to assist large investment proposals by coordinating government agencies and helping proponents navigate planning and regulatory processes.
Projects endorsed through the program will receive assistance from a dedicated government concierge service, planning specialists within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and a multi-agency investment taskforce located within the Premier’s Department.
The Government has made clear that endorsement through the IDA does not replace statutory approvals. Each project must still complete full merit-based assessment processes and comply with relevant state and Commonwealth legislation.
Energy projects dominate first round
Energy proposals make up the majority of projects in the first tranche, reflecting the scale of infrastructure required as the state transitions its electricity system.
Among the endorsed developments are wind farms, solar facilities, battery storage projects and pumped hydro proposals spread across multiple regions including the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, the South West REZ and areas such as Lithgow, Liverpool and Wentworth.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the new process is designed to ensure large investments receive coordinated attention across government.
“The Investment Delivery Authority is about making sure NSW is open for business and serious about unlocking major investment that supports productivity and long-term economic growth.
“The projects endorsed today represent significant private sector confidence in NSW and the critical role of investment in areas like energy security and the visitor economy.”
The Government said experience from the first expression of interest round showed that large projects often stall due to system-wide coordination challenges between agencies, infrastructure planning and environmental requirements.
The IDA’s role will focus on improving coordination between government bodies, facilitating engagement with proponents and identifying issues that could delay delivery.
Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct among endorsed projects
One of the projects supported through the first round is the proposed Clean Energy Precinct at the Port of Newcastle.
The project is moving through planning approvals and site preparation stages and aims to establish infrastructure that would enable production and export of clean energy products.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the endorsement supports the project as it progresses through its next development phase.
“Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct is already Australia’s most advanced clean energy production project. As we near completion of the FEED and EIS studies, this endorsement continues the Project’s momentum as we move into the next critical phase of approvals and sends a powerful signal to global investors.”
Carmody said coordinated government support can help large projects overcome planning and regulatory hurdles that can otherwise slow development.
“The success of the Housing Delivery Authority shows how strong coordination removes roadblocks and streamlines planning pathways. This support from the NSW Government through the Investment Delivery Authority gives private investors the confidence to invest at scale in our Clean Energy Precinct.”
Investment coordination aimed at large projects
The IDA is intended to support complex developments that involve multiple approvals, infrastructure planning requirements and coordination between agencies.
Alongside energy projects, the first round includes hotel developments in Sydney and the Snowy Monaro region intended to support tourism infrastructure.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said the authority would assist projects linked to the state’s electricity roadmap.
“The Investment Delivery Authority is helping accelerate the NSW Electricity Roadmap to keep the lights on and make sure families and businesses have energy they can trust and afford.”
Further proposals submitted through the first round related to data centres and technology developments are still under evaluation, with decisions expected to be announced separately due to the infrastructure and resource coordination required for that sector.
The Government said the IDA will continue to identify major private sector proposals where improved coordination across agencies can help projects progress while still maintaining environmental and regulatory oversight.
