Capability 1.3.5
Permitting & Approvals Process
Definition
Efficiency and clarity of planning and environmental approvals for predictable and timely permitting of large-scale infrastructure that enables compute.
Examples
- Streamlined planning frameworks for strategic digital or energy infrastructure (e.g. NSW State Significant Development).
Indicators
- Average approval time (months)
- Number of agencies involved per permit
- Existence of dedicated infrastructure approval pathways
- Appropriate consultation with and approvals from First Nations owners
- Utility connection time
National AI Plan
PLAN COMMITMENT
Moderate commitment
Where investments align with the data centre principles, the plan commits to exploring opportunities to coordinate data centre approval processes with states and territories (Action 1, Action 3) but no specific implementation details. The 2026 expectations of data centres and AI infrastructure developers (Action 1) include 'Expectation 2 – Supporting Australia’s energy transition' with a commitment by government to work with industry and networks on improving energy connection approvals. Moderate commitment by government in the plan is aligns with the recommendation to build agency, although greater attention is recommended.
Stocktake
Data Centres: APAC Regulatory Guide. King & Wood Mallesons. July 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20251220154313/https://www.kwm.com/content/dam/kwm/insights/download-publication/global/2025/Data_Centre_APAC_Regulatory_Guide_2025_Australia.pdf
Is the Stocktake missing evidence?
Share additional information for potential future Assessments