Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the framework recognised the critical role data centres play in supporting the modern economy, giving industry a clearer pathway to deliver investment in NSW.
“Data centres are critical economic infrastructure, supporting everything from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to banking, healthcare, government services and the digital systems households and businesses rely on every day,” Ms Stevenson said.
“NSW has a major opportunity to attract investment, support jobs and strengthen its position as a national leader in the digital economy.
“This framework gives investors clearer rules, communities greater confidence, and government a more coordinated way to plan for the infrastructure needed to support growth,” she said.
Ms Stevenson said the final package reflected several principles advocated for by the Property Council in its submission to Infrastructure NSW, including more predictable planning pathways, coordinated infrastructure delivery and fair cost recovery.
“The Property Council has consistently called for a framework that is predictable, proportionate and investment-enabling.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to a faster assessment pathway for projects that meet the guidelines, including the 75-day assessment commitment and more proportionate Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs).
“We also welcome the decision to commission IPART to review water pricing arrangements for data centres. Clear and transparent pricing frameworks will provide important certainty for investors and the community.
“These are practical reforms that can help NSW compete for investment while maintaining strong environmental, planning and community standards.”
The Property Council also welcomed the creation of an Industry Advisory Forum, a new Office of AI, and the commitment to annual reviews of the guidelines.
“This is a fast-moving sector, and the framework will need to evolve as technology, energy markets and infrastructure needs change. Ongoing engagement with industry will be essential to ensure the guidelines remain practical, proportionate and fit for purpose.
“The creation of a dedicated Office of AI also shows the Government’s recognises data centres are foundational infrastructure underpinning the next generation of digital technology and economic growth in NSW.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government to make sure the framework supports investment and communities and delivers the infrastructure NSW needs for the future.”
