If you’re on an owners corporation committee in Melbourne, chances are CCTV has come up at a general meeting — or it should have. Security cameras in strata properties are increasingly common, but they also come with responsibilities around privacy, placement, and maintenance that many committees aren’t fully across.
This guide covers what Melbourne owners corporations need to know before installing or upgrading a CCTV system.
Does an Owners Corporation Need Approval to Install CCTV?
In Victoria, CCTV installation in common areas of a strata property is generally a decision for the owners corporation — not individual lot owners. Under the Owners Corporations Act 2006, significant works to common property typically require a resolution at a general meeting. If the installation cost exceeds the maintenance threshold set in your OC rules, an ordinary or special resolution may be required.
It’s always worth checking your OC rules and seeking advice from your OC manager before proceeding. As a contractor, we can provide quotes and system designs ahead of any committee vote.
Where Can CCTV Cameras Be Placed in a Strata Building?
Cameras must only be placed in common areas — not pointed at private lot spaces, balconies, or windows. Appropriate locations typically include:
- Building entrances and exits
- Car parks and basement access points
- Lifts and lift lobbies
- Bin areas and delivery zones
- Pool, gym, or shared amenity areas
- Stairwells and corridors
Placement should be deliberate — covering high-risk areas without unnecessarily capturing activity in areas where residents have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Privacy Laws and Signage Requirements
In Victoria, CCTV use is governed by the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. Owners corporations operating CCTV systems are considered organisations handling personal information and must comply accordingly. Key requirements include:
- Signage: Clearly visible signs must be displayed at all camera locations, notifying residents and visitors that CCTV is in operation.
- Data retention: Footage should only be retained for as long as necessary — typically 30 days is standard.
- Access to footage: Only authorised persons (usually the OC committee or manager) should be able to access recordings.
- Disclosure: Footage should only be released to third parties (e.g. police) in accordance with the Act.
Wired vs Wireless CCTV for Strata Buildings
For strata properties, we almost always recommend a wired (IP camera) system over wireless. Here’s why:
- Reliability: Wired cameras aren’t subject to WiFi interference — critical in multi-storey concrete buildings.
- Image quality: PoE IP cameras deliver consistently high-resolution footage without compression artefacts.
- Scalability: Adding cameras is straightforward — run a cable, connect to the switch, done.
- Security: No wireless network means no risk of the feed being intercepted or the camera knocked offline.
That said, in older buildings where cabling is disruptive or cost-prohibitive, a quality wireless system can be a practical option. We’ll always advise based on your building.
What System Do We Recommend for Strata?
We install UniFi Protect camera systems for the majority of our strata clients. The UniFi ecosystem is purpose-built for professional installations and offers:
- Centralised management via the UniFi Protect application
- Local video storage via an NVR — no ongoing cloud subscription fees
- Remote access for authorised committee members or OC managers
- Scalable from 4 cameras to 50+ without changing core infrastructure
- Integration with UniFi Access and UniFi WiFi in a single unified platform
How Much Does Strata CCTV Installation Cost in Melbourne?
Costs vary considerably depending on the number of cameras, cabling requirements, and NVR sizing. As a rough guide:
- Small building (4–8 cameras): $3,000 – $6,000 installed
- Medium building (8–20 cameras): $6,000 – $18,000 installed
- Large complex (20+ cameras): Quoted on a per-site basis
These figures include hardware, cabling, installation, and commissioning. We provide itemised quotes so your committee can present a clear breakdown at the general meeting.
Ready to Talk About CCTV for Your Building?
We work with owners corporations and strata managers across Melbourne — from small boutique apartment buildings to large mixed-use complexes. We understand the committee process, can attend meetings to present options, and provide full documentation at handover.
Learn more about our strata services or get in touch to arrange a no-obligation site visit and quote.
