What type of security camera works on a construction site?

A solar-powered 4G camera. Building sites rarely have mains power or Wi-Fi in the early weeks, so a camera that runs on its own solar panel and battery and connects over the mobile network is the only setup that works from day one. Mount it high, either on a temporary power pole or a standalone camera pole, for wide coverage and to keep it out of reach.

Do construction site security cameras need power or internet?

No. A solar panel and onboard battery cover power, and a 4G SIM handles connectivity, so the camera runs on a bare lot with no mains supply and no Wi-Fi. That is what lets it go up before the meter is installed, which is the stretch when most site theft happens.

How much does construction site camera hire cost in Queensland?

Site Watch mounts a solar 4G camera on your existing power pole from $69 per week. Site Secure adds a standalone solar pole and camera for sites without a pole yet, from $100 per week. Both run on a minimum 84-day rental, and we cover Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the wider South East Queensland region.

Is CCTV on a building site legal in Queensland?

Yes, on a site you control. As the builder, head contractor or site occupier you can film your own worksite for security, and no permit is required. Keep cameras video-only, point them at your own site rather than a neighbour's home, signpost that CCTV is in operation, and mention it at site induction. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Who can see the footage from a hired site camera?

You do. Footage goes to your app on your own account, and you decide what to keep and who else gets access. Poles and Holes does not retain a copy of your footage.

Construction Site Security Cameras QLD: 2026 Hire Guide

Choosing the right security camera for your construction site in 2026 means balancing coverage, connectivity, power source, and budget. With solar technology and 4G networks now mature and reliable, off-grid camera systems have become the standard for site security across Brisbane and South East Queensland.

Hiring construction cameras in QLD?

Poles and Holes runs construction site security camera hire across South East Queensland. Our Site Watch tier mounts a solar-powered 4G camera on your power pole from $69/wk; Site Secure adds a standalone solar pole and camera from $100/wk — no mains power or Wi-Fi needed. We cover Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the wider region on a minimum 84-day rental.

What Makes a Good Construction Site Camera?

The best construction site cameras share several characteristics. They need to work without mains power (solar is essential), connect via 4G rather than WiFi (since most sites don't have internet), provide clear footage day and night (4MP minimum with infrared), and send instant alerts when motion is detected.

Top Camera Options for 2026

Solar-Powered 4G Cameras (Pole-Mounted)

These are the most popular choice for residential builders. Mounted to your temporary power pole at 7+ metres elevation, they provide wide-angle coverage of the entire site. The height makes them virtually tamper-proof and gives them line-of-sight over fencing and scaffolding.

Key specs: 4MP HD resolution, 30m infrared night vision, two-way audio, motion alerts via app, and complete control of your own footage.

Best for: Residential builds, renovations, and any site with a temporary power pole already installed.

Standalone Solar Camera Poles

For sites without electrical infrastructure, standalone camera poles are the answer. These self-contained units include a dedicated in-ground pole, solar panel, battery pack, and 4G camera. They can be deployed on completely bare sites.

Key specs: Same camera capabilities as pole-mounted options, fully independent power and connectivity, 3–4m elevation.

Best for: Greenfield sites, car parks, road construction, and civil works.

Multi-Camera Systems

Larger sites or those with multiple access points may need more than one camera. Multi-camera setups can be configured with a mix of pole-mounted and standalone units, all accessible through a single app.

Best for: Commercial builds, multi-lot subdivisions, and high-value sites.

What to look for in a construction site security camera

Whatever ends up on the pole, the same handful of things decide whether a camera earns its keep. Power independence comes first: a camera that needs mains supply is no use in the weeks before the meter goes in, so solar with a battery buffer is the practical baseline. Connectivity is second — 4G rather than Wi-Fi, because a bare lot has no internet. Mounting height does more for coverage and tamper resistance than any figure on the spec sheet. Resolution and night vision come next, since most site theft happens after dark, which puts 4MP with infrared at the sensible floor. Last, check who controls the recording: on our construction site camera hire the footage goes to your app on your account, and we do not retain a copy.

Construction site surveillance vs standard CCTV

Standard CCTV is designed for a finished building: fixed cameras, mains power, a wired network and a recorder sitting in a comms cupboard. A construction site has none of that, and its layout changes every few weeks. Site surveillance is built the other way around — self-powered, wireless, and made to be repositioned as the work front moves. The commercial shape differs too. Fixed CCTV is a capital purchase you own and maintain; construction surveillance is hired for the length of the build and goes back when the job finishes, so it is costed per week against the project rather than carried as an asset.

Do you need CCTV on a building site in Queensland?

No Queensland regulation requires CCTV on a building site, so this is a commercial decision rather than a compliance one. What decides it for most builders is what goes missing: copper, tools, appliances and materials tend to walk in the gap between delivery and lock-up, and a single claim often costs more in excess and lost programme time than the hire would have. A visible camera at the gate also settles the routine disputes — deliveries that did not arrive, damage nobody claims. The practical test is whether one lost week would cost more than the hire; on most residential builds it does. If it stacks up, our security camera hire covers the whole build and comes off site when you do.

Are there laws for security cameras on QLD construction sites?

Yes — and for most builders the rules are straightforward. You can legally operate security cameras on a construction site you control. As the builder, head contractor or site occupier, filming your own worksite for security is well within your rights in Queensland, and there's no permit required for CCTV on a site you're responsible for.

A few sensible limits apply. Keep cameras video-only — recording private conversations without everyone's consent can breach Queensland privacy law, so site cameras generally don't capture audio. Point cameras at your own site, not at a neighbour's home, yard or windows: angle them along your fence line, gates and material stores, and avoid overlooking adjoining private dwellings. Put up clear signage at site entries so everyone knows CCTV is in operation, and tell workers and subcontractors during site induction that they may be recorded.

This is general guidance, not legal advice — if you're unsure about your obligations, check with a qualified professional. Every Poles and Holes security camera hire setup is video-only, signposted and positioned to watch your site, not the street or the neighbours.