The Property Council of Australia today welcomed a significant day of housing and planning announcements from the NSW Government, including the launch of the Bays West International Design Competition, a new Expression of Interest (EOI) process to expand Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) manufacturing in NSW and the release of two development assessment reform consultations.
Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the launch of the Bays West International Design Competition was an important milestone in the delivery of one of Sydney’s most significant urban renewal opportunities.
“Bays West has the potential to become one of Australia’s great urban renewal projects, delivering thousands of new homes in a well-connected harbourfront location close to transport, jobs and public open space.
“The launch of an International Design Competition is an important step in establishing a clear long-term vision for the precinct and ensuring future development is guided by design excellence, place-making principles and housing delivery outcomes.
“We congratulate the Bays West Delivery Authority, the NSW Government Architect and all those involved in progressing this exciting project to the next stage.”
The Bays West precinct is expected to support up to 8,500 homes across the broader renewal area, including affordable and essential worker housing, alongside new public open space and waterfront access.
Ms Stevenson also welcomed the Government’s continued commitment to expanding MMC across NSW.
“The decision announced in last week’s Budget to drive more investment in large-scale local MMC manufacturing represents an important shift from talking about innovation to actively building the industrial capability needed to support faster housing delivery.
“NSW can position itself as a national leader in modern construction.
“Expanding local manufacturing capacity, creating clearer regulatory pathways and leveraging government procurement can help unlock productivity gains, reduce construction timeframes and support a more resilient housing supply chain.
“We have consistently supported efforts to grow the MMC sector because improving productivity will be critical if NSW is to meet its long-term housing targets,” she said.
The new MMC Expression of Interest process seeks proposals from businesses to establish or expand manufacturing facilities capable of producing prefabricated building components and modular housing at scale. The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader agenda to accelerate housing delivery and strengthen local manufacturing capability.
Ms Stevenson said two consultation papers released today were a further positive step toward a more efficient and consistent planning system.
The NSW Government is proposing updated development assessment requirements and a new framework for standard and model conditions of consent for residential development across the state, representing another key step in implementing the Planning System Reforms passed in 2025.
“These reforms aim to improve the consistency of development applications, streamline lodgement processes and create greater certainty during the assessment process.
“The industry has long sought greater consistency in the way development applications are prepared, assessed and conditioned across councils and consent authorities.
“Clearer documentation standards, improved digital processes and a more uniform approach to consent conditions can help reduce delays, improve applicant experience and support faster decision-making without compromising assessment quality.
“As always, the detail will matter. Consistent implementation across councils, practical guidance and ongoing engagement with industry will be critical to ensuring these reforms achieve their intended outcomes.
“The Property Council has strongly advocated for reforms that improve assessment processes and provide greater certainty for applicants. We look forward to reviewing the detail with our members and providing detailed feedback to government.”
Ms Stevenson said the announcements showed continued momentum behind the Government’s planning and housing reform agenda.
“Today’s announcements are important milestones towards modernising the planning system and strengthening the housing delivery pipeline across NSW,” she said.
