Living in a strata community is about more than just owning a property; it's an investment in a shared lifestyle and a collective sense of safety. But as our cities grow upwards, the security strategies for these communities must also evolve.
The challenges facing body corporates today are vastly different from those of a decade ago. Taller, denser buildings bring a higher volume of residents, visitors, and deliveries, making traditional security measures obsolete.
The rise of short-term rentals introduces a constant flow of unfamiliar faces, while the anonymity of large complexes can unfortunately create opportunities for crime. In response, residents rightly expect both the convenience of modern technology, like smartphone access, and the tangible peace of mind that comes from a robust and visible security presence.
This evolution has seen security move away from a collection of separate, disjointed tools. The old model of a basic lock, a standalone intercom, and a single grainy camera is no longer sufficient. Today, effective security is about creating an intelligent security ecosystem. Modern solutions include video intercoms, access control, high-definition closed-circuit television (CCTV), and automated gates. The goal is not just to keep unauthorised people out; it's about fostering a secure and welcoming environment where every resident feels safe and at home.
I'm Dave Symons, Managing Director at DASH Symons Group. For over 16 years, we have been at the forefront of this evolution, designing and installing integrated security for high-rise residential buildings and gated communities across Queensland. We've witnessed firsthand how the right combination of technology and expertise can solve the complex security challenges that body corporates and strata managers face. In this article, we'll break down these challenges and show you how to build a smarter, safer community for your property.
In any strata property, security is a shared responsibility, with the body corporate tasked with protecting common areas. As buildings become larger and more complex, this responsibility grows exponentially. A single point of failure—a broken gate, a faulty intercom, or a blind spot in camera coverage—can compromise the safety of every resident. These are the recurring challenges we help strata communities overcome every day.
In a small block of units, you might know most of your neighbours by name. In a high-rise with hundreds of residents, that personal connection is lost. This anonymity, combined with a constant flow of visitors, delivery drivers, and tradespeople, makes it incredibly difficult to know who should and shouldn't be on the property. Outdated sign-in books are easily ignored, and simple buzzer systems offer no real verification, creating a significant gap in your building's defences. This is a critical issue for Secure Building Access.
Underground car parks with inadequate lighting and unsecured mailrooms are prime targets for opportunistic criminals. With the boom in online shopping, parcel theft has become a major concern for residents. Without robust perimeter security, including reliable automated gates and comprehensive surveillance, residents' vehicles and valuable deliveries are left exposed and vulnerable.
Platforms like Airbnb introduce a revolving door of temporary guests who are often unfamiliar with, or indifferent to, the building's security protocols. This constant turnover not only makes it hard for residents to recognise suspicious behaviour but also leads to frequent security breaches, such as propped-open doors or shared access codes. Buildings with a high volume of short-term tenancies consistently face elevated security risks.
Many older buildings are burdened with a patchwork of security systems from different eras and manufacturers that don't communicate with each other. The access card system is separate from the intercom, which is separate from the CCTV. This creates security blind spots, frustrates residents, and becomes a management nightmare. For modern High-Rise Buildings, a cohesive approach is the only way to achieve complete and reliable security coverage.
The good news is that technology has evolved to meet these challenges head-on. Modern security is about creating an intelligent ecosystem that gives residents and managers more control, convenience, and peace of mind.
Say goodbye to lost keys and expensive lock changes. Our modern Access Control Systems allow residents to use their smartphones, key cards, or fobs for seamless entry. For managers, this is a game-changer. You can grant or revoke access credentials instantly from a central dashboard, eliminating the hassle of collecting old keys and providing a clear, time-stamped audit trail of who went where and when.
Modern CCTV Systems deliver crystal-clear, high-definition video, not the blurry, unusable footage of the past. This clarity is essential for identifying individuals and capturing details. When enhanced with smart analytics, these systems can automatically detect unusual activity, like someone loitering in a car park, and send real-time alerts to managers. This is perfectly complemented by a Multi-Tenant Intercom System that calls directly to residents' smartphones, allowing them to see and speak to visitors and grant access from anywhere in the world.
Automated Gate Solutions are the first line of defence for securing vehicle entry points and the property perimeter. When integrated with access control and intercom systems, they provide seamless, authorised entry for residents while keeping unwanted vehicles out. A broken or unreliable gate is a major security failure, which is why we design and install systems built for durability and absolute reliability.
To protect shared spaces like gyms, pool equipment rooms, and management offices, a professional alarm system is essential. We specialise in Ajax security systems, which offer a powerful combination of reliability and user-friendly features. Every Ajax system we install comes with a 3-year warranty and is pre-programmed by our technicians for a smooth and efficient installation. Key features include:
As security technology advances, body corporates must thoughtfully balance enhanced protection with resident privacy and community engagement. A successful security strategy is not just about installing hardware; it's about creating a safe and resilient environment where residents feel secure, not surveilled. Here’s how you can build a proactive security framework for your property.
Waiting for a security breach to happen is a reactive and costly approach. A proactive strategy not only protects residents and assets but also enhances property value and gives your committee lasting peace of mind.
1. Establish and Communicate Clear PoliciesYour security system is only as effective as the rules that govern its use. It is vital to develop clear by-laws for access control, visitor management, and short-term rentals. Equally important is respecting resident privacy by complying with Australian surveillance laws and being transparent about where cameras are located and how data is managed. When residents understand the reasons behind security measures, they are more likely to become active partners in keeping the community safe. For more ideas, see these Strategies to Protect Your Body Corporate from Criminal Behaviour.
2. Conduct Regular Security Risk AssessmentsEvery property has unique vulnerabilities, from poorly lit corners in a car park to unsecured fire exits. We recommend annual risk assessments to methodically identify these weak points, evaluate the effectiveness of your existing measures, and prioritise future security investments. This data-driven approach helps you allocate your budget wisely, ensuring you address the most critical risks first.
3. Build on a Solid Network InfrastructureModern IP-based security systems are powerful, but they all depend on the quality of your building's network. Unreliable connections can lead to dropped camera feeds, delayed access control responses, and system failures. Investing in professional network infrastructure, including structured data cabling and robust Wi-Fi coverage, is essential. This forms the digital backbone that ensures all your security components communicate reliably and perform as expected.
4. Choose the Right Specialist PartnerNot all security installers understand the unique demands of strata properties. You need a partner with proven experience in high-rise and multi-resident environments. A true specialist can handle every aspect of the project, from initial consulting and system design to the necessary electrical work and final commissioning. As part of our Business Technology Consulting, we guide you through product selection to ensure you get a solution tailored to your property's specific needs.
5. Invest in Programmed Maintenance and SupportSecurity systems are not 'set and forget' assets. To prevent failures and ensure they operate correctly when you need them most, a proactive maintenance plan is crucial. Our Dash Care Plan (DCP) is designed for this exact purpose. Through regular inspections, software updates, and preventative repairs, our Programmed Maintenance service ensures your systems operate reliably year-round. This not only minimises downtime but also extends the life of your investment and prevents small issues from becoming costly emergencies that require Service and Repair.
The journey From Strata to Skyscrapers: How Body Corporate Security Is Evolving is ongoing. Future developments in technology will continue to shape how we protect our communities. We are moving towards smarter integration, where the Internet of Things (IoT) and more advanced AI will enable everything from predictive maintenance alerts on a failing gate motor to more seamless coordination with emergency services.
Staying ahead of these trends is what we do. At DASH Symons Group, we combine over 16 years of hands-on experience with a forward-thinking approach to technology. We design and implement Integrated Security Solutions that are effective today and ready for the challenges of tomorrow. We don't just install systems; we partner with body corporates to build lasting security strategies.
Based in Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast, we are proud to serve communities across Queensland, Northern NSW and beyond. If you're ready to improve your property's security and give your residents the safety and peace of mind they deserve, let's talk.
Ready to improve your property's security? Contact us for a consultation today.
