Mayor George Greiss calls for NSW Government to lead rezoning of Campbelltown’s CBD

The mayor of Campbelltown is calling on Premier Chris Minns to lead the transformation of the city’s CBD, saying they are “not only willing, but eager” to boost density – unlike some ‘NIMBY’ inner city councils.

Aerial images of Campbelltown Hospital after the completion of the new clinical services building in 2022. Picture: Craig Willoughby SKYview Aerial

The mayor of Campbelltown is calling on Premier Chris Minns to lead the transformation of the city’s CBD, saying they are “not only willing, but eager” to boost density – unlike some ‘NIMBY’ inner city councils.

Mayor George Greiss said Campbelltown was committed to prioritising its future growth potential and work with the NSW Government to help tackle the housing crisis, speaking after the government announced plans to lead the rezoning of parts of Parramatta to take advantage of the new light rail route and create hundreds of new homes.

“If our goals align, there is no apparent reason why we should not work together to achieve them with priority and speed,” Dr Greiss wrote in this week’s mayoral minute.

Planning Minister Paul Scully – who has threatened to go to war with NIMBY councils if they oppose moves for increased density – previously said councillors must prioritise building new homes over their political interests.

Dr Greiss told this publication he did not think Campbelltown would be Sydney’s third CBD – a goal that should be committed to for Liverpool – and said his intention was not to cut costs, but combine council resources with the state government.

im Marsden. Picture: Robert Pozo

“We want to be part of the initiative, we are not looking to be the next Parramatta … but Campbelltown is looking to build sustainable growth and we are located a very short distance away from the near airport,” he said.

“We are sitting at the entrance to the freeway to the city and we have magnificent nature resources … we are a city that’s ready to grow.”

Professor Andy Marks. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Campbelltown community figure and lawyer Jim Marsden backed the mayor’s vision for the city’s CBD.

“It should have been looked at decades ago, and it does need to be looked at with priority to revitalise the CBD,” he said.

“I love Campbelltown from the bottom of my heart, and I would love to see Campbelltown’s CBD brought back to life with thousands of people living in it, working in it and enjoying life there.”

Western Sydney University pro vice-chancellor Andy Marks said housing growth in Campbelltown must come lock-step with large-scale job creation.

“Reduced commute times and more investment in schools and health services could see quality housing options significantly expand in Campbelltown,” he said.

“For these communities to thrive, planning for housing needs to come with bold measures to improve the region’s health and education outcomes so they can be on par with more established parts of Sydney.”

“Sydney’s demographic centre has been moving west at a comparatively rapid rate. Based on those trends, it is not inconceivable that, over time, Parramatta, Campbelltown or Bankstown rival or overtake Sydney in key commercial, investment or business initiatives.”

Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue CEO Adam Leto said Campbelltown’s proactive approach should be applauded.

“The state government, through examples like North Parramatta, has shown that it is an important facilitator, and the Campbelltown city centre in particular, with its established transport connections, could present another opportunity to work with council to increase housing density,” he said.

Premier Chris Minns and Planning Minister Paul Scully were contacted for comment.