NSW Project Watch
137 NSW road, rail, energy and water projects that may affect private land, often before any acquisition notice is issued. Each is on a map, with its stage and its official source.
New South Wales
Where public power meets private land.
We advise on the use, development and regulation of land, including compulsory acquisition. We act for landowners, developers and businesses, as well as councils and other public authorities.
- 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, sent an 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, hard conditions and deemed refusals usually turn on how the council read the planning controls. We advise on approval pathways, modifications and Class 1 merit 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
Roads, easements, statutory access and works deeds are where private land meets public works. We advise landowners and proponents before anything is signed.
Read more - Something else
Your situation is not one of these
Matters involving public authorities, land and development take many forms, and the right first step is not always obvious from a list. 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
The firm
Experience in private practice and government.
Michael Themis trained at Herbert Smith Freehills and King & Wood Mallesons and has held senior roles within both Commonwealth and NSW government, including as a Senior Manager advising Transport for NSW’s acquisition, valuation and project teams.
- Principal-led
- The lawyer you meet is the lawyer who conducts your matter, start to finish.
- Acknowledged within one business day
- Every enquiry and client message is acknowledged within one business day. Urgent issues are prioritised, and if a considered response will take longer, you will be told what happens next and when to expect it.
- Scope and fees agreed up front
- What we will do, and how it is charged, is confirmed in writing before substantive work begins.
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. It does not assess prospects, calculate deadlines or give legal advice.
Nothing is submitted until you choose.
Notice Decoder
Find the notice you have received among 46 kinds, from councils, planning authorities, the EPA, NRAR, roads and acquiring authorities, and heritage and Commonwealth regulators: what it is, who issues it and the law it comes under.
Insights
Insights
- Approvals and licensing
When the Natural Resources Access Regulator investigates: powers, evidence and civil penalties
Michael Themis · September 2026 - Land access and easements
Reconnecting River Country: easements, deeds and compensation
Michael Themis · September 2026 - Planning and development
Land and Environment Court planning appeals in regional NSW
Michael Themis · September 2026
For referrers and public authorities
For referrers
Acquisition, planning, environment and regulatory input on a matter you are working on. We act for your client directly and, with their consent, keep you informed.
Work for councils and public authorities
Advice on planning, environmental regulation, local government, land access and easements. Work directly with the principal, with scope, fees and any procurement requirements agreed before engagement, subject to conflicts.
Where to start
You do not need to have it worked out first
Tell us a little about your situation, and we will be in touch about the next steps, with no obligation.