Campbelltown: this is our moment to speak up and lead

Yes, we need to have a conversation, because with new development accelerating and housing targets rising, Campbelltown is being positioned as a key player in Western Sydney’s growth story, writes Dr George Greiss* in this opinion piece.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

State and federal governments are constantly talking about housing supply and arguing that councils are hindering growth.  The private sector is always eyeing opportunity, and public and private planners are drawing lines on maps that will define how we live, work, and connect for decades to come.

But there’s something missing, and it’s not only money or commitment for government investment. It’s us.

There’s no doubt that growth is coming. But the real question is: who gets to shape it? Will we build a city that works for our community? Or will decisions be made in rooms we’re not even in?

If local voices aren’t involved in shaping the future of Campbelltown, we risk ending up with a city that’s been designed for us, not by us.

Now is the time for our community to lead, not just react, and comment at the end of the process. We need to be involved meaningfully from the start, through active participation and grassroots advocacy.

As Eric puts it, the future must be “by Campbelltown, for Campbelltown.”

The best future for Campbelltown won’t be found in planning reports, design panels, or offices in Macquarie Street or Canberra. They’ll come from the lived experiences of those who walk our streets, raise families here, care for Country, and build community every single day.

We’ve seen the costs of leaving communities out, poor transport links, public spaces that don’t reflect who we are, and planning outcomes that miss the mark. That’s why civic participation isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a necessity. We need a growth process that values local knowledge, listens with intent, and builds public trust, not one that reduces engagement to a tick-the-box exercise or a feedback form at the end.

This is our moment to speak up and lead. Not just because Campbelltown is changing, but because it should change in a way that reflects who we are.

The good news is Campbelltown’s community is already engaged. We turn up. We speak out. We care. What we need now is a system that listens, and leadership, from council to government, that empowers everyday people to shape decisions from the ground up.

Cities aren’t shaped by policies alone. They’re shaped by people, people like us. Margaret Mead was right: it doesn’t take power to make change. It just takes a few thoughtful, committed people.

Let’s start the conversation. The future of Campbelltown belongs to all of us. Let’s make sure it reflects who we are.

Dr George Greiss is the former Mayor of Campbelltown, with over 16 years of experience in local government leadership. He holds a PhD in Urban Planning and a Master of Property Development. George is now the Director of BGA Planning Strategies, an urban planning and local government consultancy advising on development, land use, housing policy, and undertaking independent urban research across NSW. A passionate advocate for place-based planning and community-led development, he remains committed to shaping better urban outcomes through local engagement and evidence-based policy.