When I stepped back from Council, I did so with clarity and optimism — not just about where our cities were headed, but about the role planning could play in shaping our future. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of planning, politics, and community, as a mayor, consultant, and researcher. I’ve seen the power of good planning to create liveable, inclusive, future-ready places. I’ve also seen how easily it can be derailed by short-term thinking — and how costly that can be for clients, communities, and councils alike. Greiss Planning exists to bring clarity, rigour, and steady leadership to the approvals process, so good projects can move forward with confidence.
Dr George Greiss
Dr George Greiss is a planning consultant, researcher and former Mayor who advises homeowners, developers, businesses and design teams on planning approvals, development applications, modifications, planning reports and complex council processes across NSW.
George brings together practical planning consultancy, local government leadership and urban research to help clients understand what is possible, what risks need to be managed and how to move through the planning system with clarity.
Track record
Sixteen consecutive years (2008–2024) in Campbelltown civic and regional planning roles — backed by a doctorate in urban planning, published research, and executive governance experience at the highest level of local government.
Thirteen years personally assessing and determining development applications, rezoning proposals and strategic planning matters — eight years on Campbelltown City Council's Planning and Environment Committee (2008–2016), including four years as Chairperson, followed by five years as a member of the Western City Planning Panel (2016–2022).
Called on to provide expert reports and testimony in planning disputes, including one matter resolved before an independent planning tribunal, as well as advice on changes needed to approvals already granted and resolving issues that arise after a project has been approved.
A PhD in urban planning and an ongoing role as Adjunct Associate Professor at Western Sydney University, with published research examining four decades of planning reform in NSW.
Continuing that same unbroken run, two and a half years as Mayor of Campbelltown (2022–2024), providing executive leadership across a workforce of around 1,000 staff and balanced annual budgets of $250M+, alongside eight years on the council's Corporate Governance Committee overseeing unqualified audit outcomes.
Practical planning advice
Support across the full planning lifecycle — from early feasibility through to approval, and everything that can come up afterwards — grounded in statutory rigour and evidence.
Early advice on what's possible on a site and what pathway an approval is likely to take, before clients commit further time, cost or design work.
Preparing development applications, Statements of Environmental Effects and council responses, with the aim of putting the strongest possible case in front of the decision-maker.
Section 4.55 modifications, Building Information Certificates, and resolving issues that arise after a project has already been approved.
Spatial and demographic analysis — land use, infrastructure demand, housing supply — to support planning decisions with data, not just judgement.
How this helps clients
Planning decisions are shaped by more than technical controls. They are influenced by site context, policy intent, council processes, community expectations and the quality of the material placed before decision-makers.
Greiss Planning helps clients prepare clear advice, stronger documentation and more informed planning strategies so they can approach the approval process with greater confidence.
Why Greiss Planning
When I stepped back from Council, I did so with clarity and optimism about the role good planning can play in shaping better places.
Greiss Planning reflects the next stage of that work: helping people understand planning systems, make better decisions and deliver projects that respond to policy, place and public purpose.
Good planning is not just compliance. It is careful judgement, clear communication and an understanding of how decisions are made.
Let’s talk about your project
Planning does not have to be confusing. If you are exploring a development, seeking approvals advice or navigating a council process, Greiss Planning can help identify a clear pathway forward.