Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the establishment of the IDA reflected sustained advocacy from the property industry for a single front door to accelerate complex, high-value projects.
"Our members have long called for a body that can clear roadblocks and fast-track major non-residential investment. Backed by $17.7 million in the most recent NSW Budget, the IDA is a win for industry and a clear signal that NSW is open for business," Ms Stevenson said.
Modelled on the Housing Delivery Authority - another initiative championed by the Property Council – 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 data centres, renewables, and hotels for the first round of EOIs for the Authority, and the potential to expand its focus to benefit other types of projects in future rounds. Sectors like industrial and retail should be considered so that other growth-enabling investments aren't left behind," Ms Stevenson said.
"The $200 million threshold for hotel projects is also a smart move, reflecting the Property Council's calls for more appropriate thresholds that attract genuine investment and support the growth of the visitor economy," she said.
Ms Stevenson said the IDA complements other positive measures announced as part of the 2025-26 Budget, including the Innovation Blueprint and the Future Jobs and Investment Authority.
"The challenge now is to keep building on this momentum - extending the IDA's remit into enabling infrastructure and large-scale projects in sectors like logistics, retail, industrial and the broader visitor economy will deliver even greater dividends for NSW," Ms Stevenson said.
"By having a dedicated focus on fast-tracking planning assessments and cutting through red tape, the new Authority has the potential to accelerate investment in infrastructure and major developments to drive productivity and economic growth," she said.
Ms Stevenson said the Property Council would continue to work closely with the Government and the IDA to support project proponents and secure investment confidence.
"This is a positive step that will help turn ambition into delivery. The property industry is ready to partner with Government to deliver the jobs, investment, and services our communities need," Ms Stevenson said.
