EC rejected my request for AC outdoor unit

Hi all,

I am looking for a little assistance/suggestion on how to go forward with a rejected EC decision regarding AC outdoor unit position.

Some details on the issue:

1.By law states outdoor unit can not be visible from street or public areas bounding strata scheme.

2. I want to position the AC on the outside wall of my unit and covered under louvers (colour bond) matching the existing external finish. This is not visible from the street.

3. originally via correspondence to the SM, the EC had “concerns” it would be in other lots line of sight. As such I suggested a louver colorbond cover which lines up with existing window louvers. Reality is that the existing louvers cover 70% of the outdoor unit, I will add some more louvers to completely cover it.

4. I supplied a photo of other units who have visible external AC ducting running along the walls and one split system outdoor unit on another units balcony which I can see from my balcony.

5. EC then disregarded my note and “insist” that it is installed on the balcony “like other units” as they are worried it is setting a bad precedence. I find it unfair to make a ruling based on what others may think, additionally my balcony is significantly smaller which makes this difficult and my unit is the only one that has a vacant side wall allowing such an install. All Other apartments do not have a vacant side wall. I explained that running a back to back system is much cheaper for me and I would also have no ugly AC ducting running along the vacant wall.

My issue is that firstly SM & EC were concerned about visibility, once I addressed visibility and pointed out I can see other units from my balcony chairs too, they changed their argument and insisted that it goes on the balcony to not set a bad precedence.

The fact of the matter is from where my balcony is positioned the AC unit is in the same line of sight whether it is positioned on the balcony or on the wall (both north facing) and ;

As far as I know,both these areas are parts common property and adhere to the by law, I am looking to understand why it is ok for me to have to see other units AC and ducting but not ok if they can see mine (even though it will be covered)

Apologies for all the info attached however tried to provide some context.

I would like to take this further and have done some reading, from what I can see mediation is first step. However my SM correspondence clearly says that EC insists on balcony install.

Does that mean I should begin with OFT or NCAT?

Could someone please list out a couple of basic steps to go through to have this matter investigated in more detail?

Many thanks