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.
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This article reports on the first public response to the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands after its official opening, with 3,092 visitors recorded through the gates since Saturday and upcoming weekend tickets already sold out. Mayor George Greiss told council the real stress-test will come in hot weather, but early numbers suggest strong community curiosity and demand. The piece also notes a light moment of local “history”: Greiss being the first person to enter the main lagoon, which he later explained was planned as part of the opening, not an impulsive stunt.
The article includes excerpts from Greiss’ Mayoral Minute describing the opening as a milestone and long-term legacy, alongside supportive comments from councillors across the chamber calling the Billabong an amenity, gathering place and potential tourist attraction. It also gives a clear description of the facility’s main components — a large lagoon, children’s pool, streams and splash play area — plus supporting parkland infrastructure like picnic huts, barbecues, shade, landscaping and water features designed for year-round use. Overall, the piece shifts the Billabong narrative from controversy toward early uptake, public experience and place-making impact.
Read more → More than 3000 people visit Campbelltown Billabong Parkland