A Special Activation Precinct (SAP) is a dedicated area in a regional location identified by the NSW Government to become a thriving business hub.
SAPs will create jobs, attract businesses and investors and fuel economic development in regional NSW to ensure regions are well placed to grow and meet future economic needs.
All SAPs will be delivered as part of the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund and support industries such as:
agribusiness and forestry
resources and mining
tourism and hospitality
tertiary education and skills
health and residential care
freight and logistics
defence
advanced manufacturing
renewable energy
technology-enabled primary industries.
SAPs are unique to regional NSW, and bring together planning and investment to focus on growing jobs and economic activity in an area. Precincts will support industries in line with the competitive advantages and economic strengths of each area.
There are five elements that create a SAP, these are explained below.
1. Fast track planning
Faster and simplified planning and approval processes, meaning businesses can set-up and start trading in SAPs sooner. Each SAP will have its own planning arrangements that will ‘switch on’ streamlined planning processes in that precinct, giving businesses and investors shorter application and approval timelines, as well as exemptions in some circumstances. The NSW Government will seek community feedback when designing the planning arrangements for each SAP.
Fast track planning in SAPs will make it easier to establish, invest or grow a business in regional NSW.
2. Infrastructure investment
As each site is different, the NSW Government will tailor infrastructure investment to support local needs. Essential services that businesses need to operate will be provided by the NSW Government and may include roads and utilities such as water, electricity, stormwater, waste management and digital connectivity. This builds on the NSW Government's significant record of investing in regional infrastructure through the Regional Growth Fund.
3. Government-led studies
Expert studies that will confirm the types of governance and private investment needed to create a thriving SAP. Studies will include:
site master planning to ensure land is being used in the most effective and valuable way
identifying infrastructure needs
market analysis and economic forecasts that will uncover opportunities for industry specialisation
tailored planning instruments.
These studies will help to free up investor time and money to focus on growing regional jobs.
4. Government-led development
Depending on the region’s local needs, the NSW Government may look to activate land to ensure positive social and economic outcomes in the SAP. For example, some types of agribusiness need to be a minimum distance from each other to ensure safety and the high-quality standards that regional NSW is famous for. The NSW Government will identify these needs and invest in developments as needed.
5. Business concierge
The NSW Government has established a customer-based service to help businesses set-up and thrive in the SAPs. The business concierge service will assist business owners and investors by:
providing advice and support in navigating approvals, grants and support
liaising with NSW Government departments and agencies
responding to general enquiries
providing updates to tenants within SAPs.
Support for moving to Regional NSW
The NSW Government is making it easier for businesses to move to regional NSW, offering financial incentives for companies that will relocate to SAPs.
Applications for grants and interest-free loans are available to businesses located in SAPs, as well as trade goods and services across NSW.
Relocation grants of up to $10,000 per worker are also available to help attract skilled employees to regional NSW businesses. These grants will help eligible businesses meet the costs of relocating employees, such as for furniture removal and temporary accommodation for up to three months.
