New South Wales
Where public power meets private land.
We advise on the use, development and regulation of land. Our compulsory acquisition practice acts for affected landowners and businesses.
- Compulsory acquisition
- Planning and environment
- Land and Environment Court
- Local government
Your situation
Identify the issue affecting your land, project or business.
Select the issue closest to your circumstances for an overview of the relevant decision, evidence and procedural options.
- Compulsory acquisition & compensation
A public project is taking, or affecting, your land
If a public authority has approached you about acquiring your land, given you a proposed acquisition notice or made a compensation offer, we can help you understand your position and the next steps. We advise affected landowners and businesses on the acquisition process, compensation and related disputes.
Read more - Planning & development
Your development application was refused, delayed or conditioned
Refusals and conditions may turn on planning controls, assessment and evidence. A deemed refusal arises when the consent authority has not determined an application within the prescribed period. We advise on approval pathways, modifications, reviews and Class 1 merits appeals.
Read more - Environment & regulation
You have received an EPA notice or an environmental order
Contamination, clean-up, biodiversity and water obligations carry real cost and risk. We help you meet the notice, deal with the regulator, and defend enforcement.
Read more - Government, land & infrastructure
A project wants access, or an easement, over your land
We advise on roads, easements, statutory access and works deeds, including access rights, proposed terms and the effect of the works before an agreement is signed.
Read more - Something else
Your situation is not one of these
Tell us briefly what has happened and who is involved, and we will say plainly whether it is something the firm can help with.
Get in touch
Experience on both sides of the table.
Michael Themis is the principal solicitor of Stone & Pillar Legal. His practice covers planning, environment, property and compulsory acquisition, including proceedings in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
The firm
- Conducted by the principal
- Michael Themis conducts your matter and is your direct contact. He gives the advice and briefs any barrister required.
- Government and private practice
- Michael trained at Herbert Smith Freehills and King & Wood Mallesons and has held senior NSW and Commonwealth government roles, including as a Senior Manager advising Transport for NSW’s acquisition, valuation and project teams.
- Clear advice, practical steps
- Once engaged, we explain your options and recommend what to do next. We confirm the steps, key dates and responsibilities in writing, and review the advice with you as your matter develops.
- Fixed fees, defined work
- We offer fixed fees for defined work. Before you decide whether to proceed, we confirm in writing the fee, what you will receive and what is excluded.
On watch
NSW Project Watch
141 NSW road, rail, energy and water projects that may affect private land. Effects can arise before a proposed acquisition notice is given. Each is on a map, with its stage and its official source.
- Projects on watch
- 141
- Official sources
- 241
- Last checked
Before you call
Prefer to work through it yourself first?
Matter Navigator
Answer questions about your situation at your own pace. It organises your answers into a briefing you review before anything is sent. Its Notice Decoder can identify 61 kinds of notice. It does not assess prospects, calculate deadlines or give legal advice.
Nothing is submitted until you choose.
Where to start
You do not need to have it worked out first
Choose a time for a 30-minute phone or Teams call, or leave brief details and ask us to call you back.