The NSW government is launching the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) to fast-track planning approvals for major projects exceeding $1 billion, including renewable energy, data centres, wind farms, and large hotel developments.

Modeled after the Housing Delivery Authority, the IDA will begin assessing projects immediately and aims to expedite approval processes for significant non-residential developments, with the first round of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) opening within weeks.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline approvals, foster innovation, and promote large-scale investments in infrastructure, with future EOIs expected to expand into other industries beyond initial focus areas.

Announced during the 2025-26 NSW Budget with an initial funding of $17.7 million, the IDA involves key government departments including Treasury, Planning, and Infrastructure.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey highlighted that the IDA will support tech companies, boost productivity, jobs, and economic growth, and was announced at the National Tech Summit in Sydney.

The initiative addresses the high volume of renewable energy and data centre projects in the planning system, providing a work-around to current limitations, with a focus on digital infrastructure and energy security.

Eligibility for the IDA includes projects valued at $1 billion or more in sectors such as data centres, renewable energy, and energy security, with hotel developments requiring a minimum of $200 million.

The IDA will offer fast-track approvals, dedicated planning support, and coordination across government agencies through a four-person panel of senior bureaucrats, serving as a 'priority lane' rather than a rubber stamp.

The authority aims to facilitate around 30 large projects annually, potentially attracting up to $50 billion in investments across technology, energy, and tourism infrastructure.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully emphasized that the IDA will help identify land use needs early and accelerate infrastructure development for major projects.

Supporting the growth of the visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035, the IDA will aid in developing over 40,000 new hotel rooms.

Future rounds of EOIs are expected to expand into other industries beyond initial focus areas, broadening the impact of the initiative.