The Property Council of Australia has welcomed major planning reforms announced by the New South Wales government aimed at simplifying industrial development rules and expanding employment land across the state.
The proposed changes mark the final milestone in the implementation of the state’s Industrial Lands Action Plan.
Designed to eliminate planning bottlenecks, the framework introduces greater development flexibility for essential facilities, including multi-storey warehousing, distribution centres, and freight hubs.
It also sets explicit, indicative targets for development-ready industrial land across regional NSW, the Central Coast, and the Lower Hunter.
Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson commended the government for delivering on its commitments and responding to critical issues highlighted in the council’s Ready to Grow research report.
“The government deserves credit for the progress it has made on industrial lands reform and for seeing its Industrial Lands Action Plan through to this final element,” Stevenson said.
“Industrial land doesn’t always get the same level of attention as housing, but it’s fundamental to how our cities and regions work. It is where goods are stored, businesses operate, jobs are created and our freight and supply chains connect.”
Stevenson said setting targets for genuinely development-ready land shifts focus from paper availability to usable economic capacity. However, she emphasised that delivering supporting infrastructure remains pivotal to long-term success.
“The next challenge will be to get the detail of the reforms right so we can realise the full potential of development-ready land. That includes making sure roads, power, water, and other infrastructure reach the right precincts at the right time,” she added.
The Property Council confirmed it will work closely with state authorities during the public exhibition period to ensure the final detail cuts red tape and secures economic growth for decades ahead.
