Learn about our night-time economy strategy and how its set to transform planning, transport, safety, licensing and cultural policy in New South Wales.
New South Wales’ night-time economy (NTE) is a major economic force, contributing $102 billion annually and employing one in five workers across the state. However, the true value of any night-time economy extends well beyond the numbers.
Whether it’s catching a comedy show with friends, celebrating an anniversary at a local restaurant, or starting your work shift after the sun sets, the experiences people have between 6pm and 6am play a critical role in shaping how they connect to people and place. These moments contribute to our social fabric, economy, cultural identity and sense of community.
As such, it’s important not to leave the night-time economy to chance – which is where a night-time economy strategy comes in.
State of play
The NSW Government launched its first 24-Hour Economy Strategy in 2021, marking a significant shift: a whole-of-government approach to aligning planning, transport, safety, licensing and cultural policy to support a thriving night-time economy. In doing so, NSW became the first Australian state to implement a dedicated strategy of this kind, supported by the appointment of a 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the first state-level role of its kind in the world.
The initial goal was simple but ambitious: establish globally acclaimed 24-hour precincts across Greater Sydney.
In 2024, the strategy was refreshed to build on early successes and expand its scope. It introduced an expansion into regional NSW, night-time workers, First Nations storytelling, and a more data-driven approach—including the launch of the Data After Dark platform and the NSW Night-Time Economy Quarterly Reports.
One size doesn't fit all
While the statewide strategy provides the foundation, every place is different. What works in Bondi and Blacktown may not work in Byron Bay or the Blue Mountains. Local culture, trends, demographics and infrastructure all vary from region to region, and so too should the strategies that shape those areas.
That’s why we’ve developed tools to empower councils to develop their local night-time economy, led by their local expertise.
Our Local Government Night-Time Economy Toolkit and Online Diagnostic Tool allow councils to assess their current maturity and identify tailored pathways for growth. Most recently, we’ve created an NTE Strategy template that councils can adapt to their own context and make their own night-time economy strategies.
NTEs in action
Increasingly, councils across NSW are seeing the value in creating NTE strategies and beginning to implement their own, in an effort to strengthen the after-dark activities in their area.
The City of Newcastle launched its Newcastle After Dark strategy in 2018 to transform its night-time reputation, boost public safety and support its broader shift from an industrial city to a creative, tourism-driven economy.
“Newcastle After Dark is Newcastle's first specific strategy for guiding the development of the city's night-time economy. The document outlines key priorities and actions to be delivered by council in its commitment to leading the development of a creative, safe and vibrant nightlife that contributes significantly to the cultural and economic revitalisation of Newcastle. The Newcastle night-time economy is now the 2nd largest in the state and 5th largest night-time economy in Australia.”
Emmily Acton, Economic Development Officer, City of Newcastle
More recently, the City of Ryde developed its 2024–2028 NTE Strategy to stimulate economic growth, respond to changing demographics and create safer, more vibrant hubs across its suburban precincts.
Why it matters
The night-time economy is our everyday; it isn't solely numbers and data, nor is it just about going out. It’s also about ensuring that our night-time workers get home safely, that artists have places to perform, and that people feel a sense of community throughout all hours of the day.
Whether you're a musician, a venue owner, a council planner, or someone who just wants a great night out close to home, the night-time economy matters.
And that’s why we’re building it together.