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We are in the process of doing the change in the Sydney metro area. We do not actually have any common property, sinking fund, etc so it is not too complicated. We just have an easement on one of the lots for sewerage and water. The Lands Department are a fairly small part of the equation, it seems. They told me that they were fine with the change as long as the local council approved. That is where the most work is involved with a rather detailed application involving NSW Planning and Infrastructure legislation. With help from the council's planners and some careful reading of bits of law referred to in the questionnaire, we expect to pay only council, Sydney water check, surveyor and land titles office fees, amounting in total of under $7,000 between us. We might or might not have to pay a plumber to move our water supply from the easement, which would add somewhat to the costs. I would comment on the quote of $10,000 to hire a solicitor, but the limitations of this site preclude such. Good luck with your project.
When I was on the EC of our townhouse complex we originally made our email addresses available. However, there was a lot of misuse, aggressive, unpleasant messages, etc. This prompted a change of procedure: first contact was with the strata manager who would attend to problem if simple maintenance. If more complicated, she would contact the EC. If the owner had difficulties after this, they could drop a note in the OC mailbox. This mostly worked OK and life was much pleasanter for EC members. In my view, owners not on the EC should realise that it is no mean task to look after a number of dwellings, equivalent to a small street. The strata manager is paid, and therefore can filter out requests before bothering EC members who do, believe it or not, have lives to lead.