What is a QTRA tree risk assessment?
QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) produces a specific probability score for each tree — the annual probability of harm to a person in the target zone. Unlike a standard visual inspection, QTRA gives you a number (for example, 1 in 400 annual probability) that maps directly onto any risk matrix and is suitable for WHS hazard registers and legal proceedings. It is an internationally recognised methodology used across Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Who needs a tree risk assessment on the Sunshine Coast?
Any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) with trees on their property owes a duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). This includes holiday parks and caravan parks (guests sleeping under trees overnight), schools and childcare centres (children in outdoor areas), aged care facilities, golf clubs, commercial property managers, body corporates, and landowners in fire-prone areas of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie hinterland.
What is the difference between a QTRA report and an arborist report?
A standard arborist report provides an opinion on tree health and structure. A QTRA report differs in two ways: it produces a quantified probability score (a specific number) rather than a subjective opinion, and it is produced by an independent assessor with no conflict of interest. When an arborist assesses trees they may then be paid to remove or prune, a conflict of interest exists. Tree Risk QTRA does not sell removal, pruning or any tree works whatsoever.
How much does a QTRA tree risk assessment cost on the Sunshine Coast?
Tree Risk QTRA charges a flat fee — no hourly rates, no surprise charges.
Residential (1–5 trees): from $350. Commercial, strata and all other site types: from $750. Legal and expert witness reports: $150–$200/hr. Call Jonathan on
0475 811 501 for a specific quote.
Does Tree Risk QTRA cover Noosa, Gympie and the hinterland?
Yes. Based in Twin Waters, we cover the full Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum Beach, Tewantin, Noosaville, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Maleny, Montville, Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Yandina, Bli Bli and surrounding regions.
Can a QTRA report be used as evidence in a legal or insurance matter?
Yes. QTRA reports are court-defensible documents with a dated, signed probability score per tree. They are suitable for WorkSafe investigations, insurance claims, legal disputes and expert witness proceedings. The assessor is available to provide expert witness testimony in Queensland courts and tribunals.
What is a prescribed burn hazard tree assessment?
A prescribed burn hazard tree assessment identifies trees that pose structural risk to fire crew during a planned burn operation. Each tree is scored using QTRA methodology and crew positioning is mapped to remain within acceptable risk thresholds. Tree Risk QTRA's assessor is a former Queensland fire sector commander with extensive operational prescribed burning experience.
What happened at the BIG4 caravan park — and why does it matter?
In March 2021, a camper was killed by a falling branch in his tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Holiday Park. WorkSafe Victoria found the park had not engaged an arborist for a general tree assessment since 2015. The park was convicted and fined $475,000 in November 2024. The court found that annual arborist assessments would have been sufficient to identify and manage the risk. Post-incident assessment found 137 of 277 trees required risk mitigation. Under Queensland WHS law, the same duty applies to every holiday park, campsite and caravan park operator in the state.
What are widow makers and post-fire tree risk?
Widow makers are fire-killed or fire-damaged trees that present elevated failure risk as they dry out and lose structural integrity. In the weeks and months following a fire event in the Sunshine Coast or Gympie region, these trees are statistically more likely to fail without warning. Tree Risk QTRA provides written post-fire re-entry clearance documentation for each assessed zone.
