[Impact Interview] Building Australia’s SAF Hub: NSW’s Competitive Edge

At the SAF APAC Summit 2025, Ian Smith, Executive Director of Regional Economic Development at the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development , outlined how New South Wales (NSW) is positioning itself as a leader in Australia’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector. Smith highlighted the state’s feedstock advantage, policy initiatives, and infrastructure readiness, while also stressing the importance of workforce development and international competitiveness.

Executive Summary:

1. Feedstock Advantage and Investment Prospectus

• New South Wales accounts for more than 20% of Australia’s potential SAF feedstock. To capitalise on this, the state released an Investment Prospectus in March 2024, mapping regional feedstock availability, identifying potential plant sites and linking them with industrial and infrastructure capacity — a framework aimed at speeding up investor decisions and project rollout.

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2. Infrastructure and Supply Chain Readiness

• Sydney Airport, the nation’s busiest, and the soon-to-open Western Sydney Airport are expected to drive strong SAF demand. The state government has sought to prepare through its Net Zero Plan, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, and the Renewable Energy Infrastructure Roadmap, which established Australia’s first renewable energy zones. Regional Special Activation Precincts offer reduced upfront costs and fast-tracked planning, supported by extensive transport and logistics networks.

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3. Innovation and Workforce Development

• Beyond infrastructure, NSW is directing resources into technology and skills. Programs such as the Clean Technology Innovation Program and the Decarbonisation Innovation Hub are examining SAF supply chains. On workforce, the state leverages Australia’s largest regional labour pool and has introduced a Targeted Workforce Development Scheme that tailors training to investor needs.

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4. Regional Competitiveness and Global Outlook

• Looking ahead, Smith stressed NSW’s potential as not just a consumer, but also a competitive producer and exporter of SAF in the APAC region. He pointed to deepwater ports at Kembla and Newcastle, major airports, strong agricultural output, feedstock availability and research capacity at universities such as Newcastle and UNSW. “All the building blocks are in place,” he said, arguing that policy alignment and resource advantages create a competitive setting for SAF investment.​