“Under the Owners Corporations Act 2006”
This is in Victoria?
It seems to me that the strata manager gave you general advice without being specific enough. They really should have done better! Under the circumstances, you could, I suppose, start a dispute process.
I agree that AC installers will often take the easiest installation path. But it shouldn’t be too hard to change it, even now. Outdoor units can be easily moved and reconnected. It will however cost you. But make sure that this time, the new location meets the committee’s requirements.