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 Mayor George Greiss using a Mayoral Minute to criticise the NSW Government’s waste levy — described as a “rubbish tax” — and its significant increase during a period of rising household pressure. Greiss argues the levy has shifted away from its original purpose of encouraging waste reduction and instead functions as a revenue stream, citing estimates that the state collects around $800 million annually while only a small portion is reinvested into waste management or education. The piece highlights Greiss’ view that councils and communities are being asked to carry costs without receiving meaningful returns.
A key focus is the local impact on Campbelltown ratepayers, including the stated annual burden and the argument that the levy disproportionately affects households already experiencing financial stress. Greiss frames this as both a fairness and policy issue, calling for levy funds collected from Campbelltown and Western Sydney to be returned to councils for community-based waste initiatives, and for stronger education campaigns aimed at waste reduction. Overall, the article positions Greiss as advocating for local financial equity and pushing back against state-level cost shifting onto councils and residents.
Read more → Campbelltown mayor hits waste levy hike for six