Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director Nuatali Nelmes said the establishment of the IDA reflected sustained advocacy by the Property Council for a single front door to accelerate complex, high-value projects.
"Our region has always been a powerhouse of innovation and industry. With planning approval now secured for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), our region is well placed to attract the next wave of renewable investment through the IDA.
"It comes at exactly the right time to help fast-track the next generation of renewable projects and the infrastructure that supports them," Ms Nelmes said.
Modelled on the Housing Delivery Authority, the IDA will coordinate agencies, streamline approvals, and support up to 30 major projects annually, unlocking as much as $50 billion of private investment each year.
"We welcome the focus on renewables for the first round of projects the Authority will consider. This aligns well with the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, set to deliver 1GW of network capacity, create hundreds of local jobs, and ensure our region leads the state's transition to clean, reliable energy," Ms Nelmes said.
Ms Nelmes said the Property Council was also pleased to see other sectors prioritised, including data centres and hotels, with scope for expansion in future rounds.
"Setting the right thresholds for investment will be vital to attract serious proponents and secure long-term economic growth. Over time, industrial and retail projects should also be brought into scope so other growth-enabling investments are not left behind," she said.
Ms Nelmes said the IDA complements other reforms announced in the 2025-26 Budget and provides confidence for investors in the Hunter and Central Coast.
"This new Authority has the potential to accelerate investment in renewables and other enabling infrastructure. That's good news for jobs, good news for productivity, and good news for the communities of the Hunter and Central Coast," Ms Nelmes said.
