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 confirming he will not recontest the 14 September council elections after announcing his retirement from politics, while still seeking to strengthen civic participation in the lead-up to polling day. Rather than stepping back quietly, Greiss proposes that council sponsor two public debate forums in the week before the election, with the intention of giving residents a clearer understanding of candidate platforms and local issues. The South West Voice is noted as accepting an invitation to moderate the debates, positioning the events as a structured public information opportunity rather than party-political campaigning.
The article draws heavily on Greiss’ Mayoral Minute, where he argues that election debates help dispel misinformation, encourage public engagement, and improve transparency by requiring candidates to explain and defend their positions. It also notes a commitment to explore webcasting and recording the events to widen access, consistent with Greiss’ broader transparency agenda. While dates and venues were not yet confirmed, the piece frames the proposal as part of a deliberate “democracy infrastructure” approach — helping voters make informed decisions and strengthening accountability in local government.
Read more → Council elections: Campbelltown to hold candidates forums