• Recently the Owners Corporation was advised that stocks of the existing remotes had run out.  Incidentally, at the same time, Sunrise Apartments suffered a number of basement break-ins, thefts and vandalisation of vehicles, etc.

    Some time ago the Owners Corporation agreed to proceed with installation of an upgraded security system for lift access (in Blocks A & D).  The system installed provides a basis to upgrade garage entry controls, stairwell locking and security cameras.  Due to other financial priorities the Owners Corporation has yet to agree to a comprehensive expansion of the security system.  Notwithstanding, whereas the Owners Corporation could purchase more garage fobs for the existing system, the Strata Committee considered this a waste of money as it would be likely the garage door control would move across to the new security system (presently controlling the lift cabin access).  In addition, the Owners Corporation is patently aware that garage fob issue has been largely uncontrolled since 2008 meaning that there are many active fobs (which cannot be de-activated) “out in the wild” – mostly with past Tenants and Owners but they may be with others.

    Accordingly, the Strata Committee, acting within its delegation approved a change-over of the garage access system to one where garage fobs can be activated and deactivated.  A work order has been issued to CXI for these works.

    What about your existing garage fobs?

    These will not longer function for the garage when the new system is installed; however, they may be recoded for other uses by a suitably qualified person.  Basically Owners may wish to hang onto the old fobs for a future use.

    What will the new fobs do?

    The new garage fobs will include a MIFAR chip.  They will be able to be used to open the garage (press button) and for those apartment Owners requiring lift access they can be used as a proximity fob to call the lift cabin in your block and access it.  The old lift fobs will continue to work as well.

    How many garage fobs will I get?

    Each Owner will be issued one fob for each car-parking bay in their lot.

    Additional fobs will cost $100 plus GST.  This covers the cost of the garage fob and coding.

    How do I get my fobs?

    This is still being worked out; however, it is expected that the active garage fobs will either be dropped into the Apartment letterbox or be able to be collected from Civium (with suitable ID and, if a third party, authorisation being shown).

    What will happen to the green garage door release button in the basement?

    Subject to any fire code requirements, this will most probably be deactivated and may be replaced by a proximity sensor (allowing use by authorised people).  Please note that if the latter is introduced it would be wise never to leave a garage fob in your vehicle while parked.  A thief may still gain access to the basement garage, break into a car and start it.  This would mean if a garage fob is in the car it will be easier to drive the vehicle away.

    Other Security Matters

    Security cameras?  A $40,000 provision has been made in the FY 22/23 budget to install the first stage of a security camera system.  It is anticipated that the system will required three stages broken into high, medium and low priority monitoring areas.  The Owners Corporation will need to decide on this matter at the 2022 AGM.