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.
Stay in the loop!
This article reflects on Campbelltown’s first community forum and argues the key lesson is simple: residents want meaningful opportunities to speak directly with decision-makers. Although attendance was modest (just over 30 people), the piece frames it as a solid foundation — provided council demonstrates that it is genuinely listening and prepared to act. It acknowledges a common barrier to participation: cynicism that consultation won’t change anything, and suggests the success of future forums will depend on whether people see outcomes and follow-through.
A standout element was a segment called “Five minutes with the Mayor,” where 17 attendees sat down one-on-one with Mayor George Greiss to raise concerns and share ideas. The article notes that while presentations about council’s plans were useful, what participants really wanted was conversation — with the mayor, the general manager, and senior staff who made themselves available across the two-hour session. Overall, it reads as cautious optimism: a good start, strong intent from the top, and a reminder that lasting change depends on the culture reaching beyond leadership into the organisation’s day-to-day interactions with the community.
Read more → Five minutes with the mayor a forum highlight