The review, released today, found outdated planning rules, duplicative licensing systems and safety concerns are holding back the state's 24-hour economy, costing businesses more than $120 million in sales each year.
Property Council Hunter and Central Coast Director Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle shows what's possible when a city embraces reform - but warned that property owners and investors have a critical role to play.
"Newcastle has been at the forefront of change in this space – thanks to the Newcastle After Dark strategy and years of local effort, our night-time economy now supports more than 14,000 jobs and contributes over $2.1 billion in turnover - well above the national average," Ms Nelmes said.
"The Productivity Commission has singled out Newcastle as one of the state's strongest performers, with sales turnover of $2.27 billion and per capita spending of $12,800 - showing just how far we've come."
Ms Nelmes said the report also highlighted Newcastle City Council's Accelerated Development Application (ADA) process as a national example of best practice, reducing determination times for eligible applications from 40 days to just 7. Other Hunter councils, including the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook, are now exploring similar approaches.
"It's great to see Newcastle's innovation recognised in this review. The ADA process shows that smart, fast-track planning can deliver real results - but the next step is bringing property owners and investors into the fold so they can capitalise on these reforms," Ms Nelmes said.
The Property Council said that despite recent vibrancy reforms, there is still a knowledge gap between policy changes and how they translate into practical opportunities for property activation and investment.
"We now have an opportunity to bridge that gap. By translating reforms into clear, actionable insights for property owners, we can drive the next phase of growth - activating more venues, attracting more investment, and cementing Newcastle as a leader in night-time vibrancy," Ms Nelmes said.
"Newcastle's success is also a reminder that night-time vibrancy is not just about hospitality, but about how cities plan and manage precincts. The next stage must focus on governance, social infrastructure and safety - making sure the property sector is a partner in building a 24-hour economy that works for everyone," Ms Nelmes said.
