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 announcing an independent assessment and audit of the Campbelltown Billabong project, following concerns raised by local State and Federal MPs. Greiss frames the audit as a governance measure — intended to remove doubt and strengthen transparency — while still expressing confidence that council staff are working to deliver the project within the approved budget and timeframes. The piece also notes his intention to involve councillors in shaping the audit scope and selection criteria, and to invite MPs and councillors to contribute information for the auditor’s consideration.
The article provides important context on the project’s financial history, including the original 2018 council contribution, the 2020 increase linked to a revised design, and later cost pressures such as accelerated stormwater mitigation works. It reinforces a consistent theme in Greiss’ leadership approach: respecting past council resolutions while strengthening oversight, accountability, and public confidence in major city-shaping projects.
Read more → Mayor orders audit into Campbelltown Billabong costings, transparency