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 is a reflective profile marking Mayor George Greiss’ announcement that he will not stand as a candidate at the next council elections, signalling the end of his time as Campbelltown’s mayor. It frames the question of “greatness” as something history will judge, but offers a present-day assessment that Greiss grew into the role over time and became a reform-focused leader. The writer notes that while Greiss initially appeared an “unknown quantity” to some and needed to be more visible in the community, he brought strong intellectual and academic depth into the chamber and used that to drive change.
The piece argues that Greiss’ most enduring impact may be governance and structural reforms that strengthen council for the long term — a legacy that outlasts any single project or political moment. It also notes that although his term did not end immediately, he pledged to serve “without fear or favour” through to the final meeting, while suggesting he may have achieved even more had he pursued another term. Overall, it reads as a respectful farewell: an appraisal of leadership, acknowledgement of unfinished work, and a closing note of gratitude and goodwill.
Read more → Mayor George Greiss: thank you, goodbye and good luck