Precinct Types
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In NSW, there are multiple permutations of sub precinct definitions suiting different objectives. The first three definitions below relate to precinct development phase; they are a means of developing land into a precinct. The last three focus on the later operations phase. Finally, the last sub-type ‘Prescribed precincts’ are imposed by Government to control anti-social behaviours.
Business Improvement District (BID)
or
Community Improvement District (CID)
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographic area within which businesses are required to pay an additional tax (or levy, rates, etc) in order to fund projects within the district's boundaries. It is a partnership between local government, community, and business. The services provided by BIDs are supplemental to those already provided by the municipality. BIDs provide a platform for government, business, and the community to work together for a common goal of improving local places. They typically fund services which are perceived by some businesses as being inadequately performed by government with its existing tax revenues, such as events management, marketing, cleaning, security, making capital improvements, etc.
Innovation Precinct or District
An Innovation Precinct is a specific geographic area where industry, research, and education activities cluster together. Members of the precinct build partnerships and tap into knowledge to launch new entrepreneurial activity and start-ups, and help established businesses improve their competitiveness, productivity, and innovative capacity.
Innovation precincts can deliver economic and productivity benefits because they are based around R&D. These benefits can include higher wages and quality jobs for workers, locally trained workforce for complex jobs, superior products for consumers, and higher tax revenues for government.
Special Activation Precinct (SAP)
SAPs are a way of planning and delivering industrial and commercial infrastructure projects in dedicated areas in regional NSW. They are defined by the NSW Government as areas with the potential to activate state or regional significant economic development.
Key features of SAPs include:
They bring together planning and investment support services to deliver industrial and commercial infrastructure in 6 dedicated areas of regional NSW.
They allow businesses to establish and grow with confidence, providing more local jobs and driving economic growth.
The creation of SAPs is part of the NSW Government’s 20-year economic vision for regional NSW and will be delivered as part of the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro legacy fund.
They are world-class, sustainable business hubs.
Their goal is to create jobs and fuel economic development across regional NSW.
These hubs build on the competitive and industrial strengths of each region, such as freight and logistics, advanced manufacturing and agribusiness, renewable energy and recycling, tourism and hospitality, critical minerals.
SAPs work by bringing together planning and investment to focus on growing jobs and economic activity in regional NSW.
State Significant Precinct (SSP)
A State Significant Precinct in NSW is an area that the Minister for Planning considers to be of state or regional planning significance due to its social, economic, or environmental characteristics.
Key features of an SSP include:
It is typically a large area of land within a single ownership or control, often government owned.
It is of state or regional importance in achieving government policy objectives, particularly those related to increasing the delivery of housing and jobs.
It is of state or regional importance for environmental or natural resource conservation.
It may also be of state or regional importance for heritage or historical significance.
The planning and development process for SSPs involves assessment considering environmental and social factors and identifying the infrastructure needs of the future population. This process is carried out in consultation with the community and local council. The State-Significant Precincts Guideline 2016 sets out the process for the rezoning of state-significant precincts.
Prescribed Precinct
Prescribed Precincts in NSW are designated areas in Sydney that experience high levels of alcohol-related violence. The NSW Government has identified these areas and applied special conditions to the licensed premises within the precinct boundaries. These conditions are part of an effort to manage and reduce alcohol-related issues. Examples of such precincts include the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross.
Priority Growth Area
A priority growth area in NSW is a region that is identified by the state government as having potential for urban development and renewal. It is an area where the Department of Planning and Environment work with local councils, communities, and stakeholders to plan for new infrastructure, services, jobs, and housing. A priority growth area usually has a structure plan that outlines the vision, objectives, and strategies for its future growth and development.