NSW planning reforms: what businesses need to know

17 Feb 2026

The NSW Government is introducing a series of planning reforms to accelerate development approvals, reduce delays, and enable faster delivery of housing, commercial, and industrial projects across the state. These reforms are intended to improve coordination between government agencies, streamline referral processes, and create a more efficient and predictable planning system.

For businesses, the performance of the planning system directly influences investment decisions. Delays in approvals increase project costs, disrupt expansion plans, and create uncertainty that can discourage investment. A more efficient and transparent system will help businesses move forward with confidence, whether expanding operations, upgrading facilities, or establishing new locations.

Key measures include the establishment of the Development Coordination Authority and reforms to agency referrals, both which are designed to reduce bottlenecks, improve accountability and ensure applications are assessed more efficiently. If implemented effectively, these reforms have the potential to unlock new commercial and industrial development, support business expansion and strengthen NSW’s competitiveness as a place to invest and do business.

What businesses can do now

Businesses do not need to wait for reforms to be fully implemented to benefit. Taking early steps now can help position your business to take advantage of faster approval pathways and new opportunities:

  • Plan ahead for growth: If you are considering expanding, relocating, or developing new premises, upcoming reforms are expected to improve approval certainty and reduce timeframes.
  • Engage early in the process: Speaking with your local council, planning advisors or relevant agencies early can help clarify requirements and avoid delays.
  • Ensure applications are well prepared: High-quality and complete applications are more likely to benefit from streamlined assessment processes.
  • Stay informed: New pathways, streamlined processes and priority programs will continue to be introduced as reforms are rolled out.
  • Reach out to Business NSW: We can help you understand how these changes affect your business and advocate on your behalf where barriers arise.

Business NSW is actively working with government to ensure these reforms deliver real improvements in efficiency, transparency, and certainty. A faster, more reliable planning system is essential to supporting business investment, enabling expansion, and driving economic growth across NSW.