SAMPLE
SAMPLE REPORT — For Demonstration Purposes Only
Independent Assessment Report · Tree Risk QTRA
Tree Risk (QTRA)
and Works Assessment
Assessment Site
Rotary Park, Coolum Beach QLD 4573
Client: Sunshine Coast Council
Document ReferenceTRQ-2025-003 Inspection Date10 April 2025
Client ReferenceSample / Demo Report Date14 April 2025
Assessed ByTree Risk QTRA StatusFinal — Version 1
Trees Assessed7 Site TypePublic Open Space / Council Park

This report has been prepared by a QTRA-certified practitioner. Tree Risk QTRA is an independent forestry consultancy — we perform no removal, pruning or other arboricultural works. Our only product is honest, accurate risk advice. This sample report has been produced for demonstration purposes using fictional site data.

1. Executive Summary

A total of 6 trees were assessed at Rotary Park, Coolum Beach QLD 4573 on 10 April 2025. The property is an established urban residential allotment with a mixed canopy of native and exotic species. Trees were assessed using the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) methodology and the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) system.

Arboricultural Value
RatingNo.%
Valuable233%
High117%
Medium117%
Low233%
QTRA Risk Rating
CategoryNo.
Broadly Acceptable5
Tolerable1
Unacceptable1
None0
Works Priority
PriorityNo.
High1
Moderate1
Low3
None2
2. Introduction

Tree Risk QTRA has been engaged by Sunshine Coast Council to undertake a Tree Risk (QTRA) and Works Priority Assessment of seven trees at a public park reserve. Given the high level of public use at this site — including children's playground facilities — accurate risk quantification is essential for council's duty of care obligations. The assessment was carried out on 10 April 2025 by a QTRA-certified practitioner.

The assessment was carried out on 10 April 2025 by a QTRA-certified practitioner. All trees were assessed individually using the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) methodology, with risk quantified using the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) system in accordance with QTRA Ltd (2015).

3. Methodology

Subject trees were inspected using the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) methodology developed by Mattheck and Breloer (1998). Each tree was assessed for species, age class, health, structure, defects, proximity to targets, and arboricultural value. A Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) was completed for each tree, producing a Risk of Harm (RoH) value expressed as a probability comparable to accepted tolerability thresholds.

4. Site Observations

The park supports a diverse canopy of native species including two significant Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus), a veteran Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) of outstanding heritage value, and mature Eucalyptus grandis. One Flooded Gum (Tree #4) located directly adjacent to the playground presents advanced basal decay with visible fungal fruiting bodies and is assessed as presenting an Unacceptable risk. This tree requires immediate action.

Target occupancy throughout the park is high, particularly in the playground and BBQ areas. This elevated target occupancy is the primary driver of risk ratings at this site and has been incorporated into each QTRA calculation.

5. Conclusions & Recommendations

Of the 7 trees assessed, one (Tree #4, Eucalyptus grandis) presents an Unacceptable risk and requires immediate removal — the surrounding area should be cordoned off until works are complete. One tree (Tree #6, Casuarina cunninghamiana) presents Tolerable risk requiring moderate priority works within 3 months. Four trees require low priority works and one requires no works. The veteran Moreton Bay Fig (Tree #5) is of exceptional significance and should be considered for heritage listing.

All pruning works should be undertaken by a qualified arborist in accordance with AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees. All retained trees should be re-inspected within a two-year timeframe.

6. Site Map
7. Works Priority Schedule

The following table summarises the assessment findings and recommended works for all trees assessed. Works are prioritised as High (immediate action), Moderate (within 3 months), Low (within 12 months) or None (no works required at this time).

ID Botanic Name Common Name DBH Ht Health Structure Arb Value Risk Category Works Priority Works Required
1 E. tereticornis Forest Red Gum 85cm18m GoodFair Valuable Broadly Acceptable Low Minor deadwood removal
2 E. tereticornis Forest Red Gum 72cm16m FairFair High Broadly Acceptable Low Remove codominant stem
3 Angophora costata Sydney Red Gum 95cm22m GoodGood Valuable Broadly Acceptable None No works — monitor
4 Casuarina cunninghamiana River Sheoak 38cm12m PoorPoor Low Tolerable Moderate Reduction pruning
5 Livistona australis Cabbage Tree Palm 28cm9m GoodGood Medium Broadly Acceptable Low Remove senescent fronds
6 Liquidambar styraciflua Liquidambar 55cm14m FairPoor Low Unacceptable High Removal recommended
8. QTRA Risk Assessment Framework

Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) is an internationally recognised tree risk management framework that applies established risk management principles to tree safety. The assessment produces a Risk of Harm (RoH) value — a numerical probability comparable to everyday risk benchmarks.

QTRA ThresholdRisk CategoryAction Required
>1/1,000UnacceptableImmediate action required
1/1,000–1/30,000TolerableWorks within 3 months recommended
<1/1,000,000Broadly AcceptableNo immediate action — monitor and re-inspect
9. Individual Tree Records
Tree #1 —  Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box)NO WORKS
Age ClassMature
DBH82 cm
Height18 m
Spread14 m
OriginNative
HealthGood
StructureGood
ULE25+ yrs
Arb ValueValuable
Risk Index<1/1,000,000
Risk CategoryBroadly Acceptable
Works PriorityNone
Works RequiredNo works required. Re-inspect within 2 years.
Notes: Outstanding specimen providing significant shade cover to the central picnic area. Excellent health and structure throughout. No deadwood or structural defects observed. A key amenity tree in the park — strongly recommended for long-term retention and protection. Root zone should be excluded from any future path or infrastructure works.
Tree #2 —  Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum)LOW PRIORITY
Age ClassMature
DBH76 cm
Height20 m
Spread15 m
OriginNative
HealthGood
StructureFair
ULE25+ yrs
Arb ValueHigh
Risk Index<1/1,000,000
Risk CategoryBroadly Acceptable
Works PriorityLow
Works RequiredDeadwood removal and clearance pruning over the adjacent pathway. Schedule within 12 months.
Notes: Healthy specimen with minor deadwood accumulation in the mid to upper canopy. Several branches overhang the main park pathway where pedestrian target occupancy is high. Deadwood removal and canopy lift to 4m over the path is recommended. No structural defects at ground level.
Tree #3 —  Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-Scented Gum)LOW PRIORITY
Age ClassMature
DBH62 cm
Height22 m
Spread11 m
OriginNative
HealthGood
StructureGood
ULE25+ yrs
Arb ValueValuable
Risk Index<1/1,000,000
Risk CategoryBroadly Acceptable
Works PriorityLow
Works RequiredRemove 2 minor dead branches overhanging playground equipment. Schedule within 12 months.
Notes: Tall, elegant specimen in excellent condition. Two minor dead branches (approx 40mm diameter) overhang the adjacent children's playground. While the risk remains Broadly Acceptable, removal of these branches is recommended given the sensitivity of the target. Crown otherwise clean and well-formed.
Tree #4 —  Eucalyptus grandis (Flooded Gum)HIGH PRIORITY
Age ClassMature
DBH96 cm
Height26 m
Spread16 m
OriginNative
HealthPoor
StructurePoor
ULE2–5 yrs
Arb ValueLow
Risk Index>1/1,000
Risk CategoryUnacceptable
Works PriorityHigh
Works Required — URGENTRemoval recommended as soon as practicable. Cordon off surrounding area (minimum 30m radius) until removal is complete. Do not allow public access beneath the canopy.
Notes: Extensive internal decay throughout lower bole confirmed by mallet testing. Multiple fungal fruiting bodies (bracket fungi) present at base, consistent with advanced Ganoderma decay. Crown shows significant stress dieback — estimated 60% canopy loss. The tree is located directly adjacent to the main playground and BBQ area where target occupancy is very high including children. The combination of advanced structural failure and very high target occupancy produces an Unacceptable risk rating. Immediate action is required.
Tree #5 —  Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig)NO WORKS
Age ClassVeteran
DBH155 cm
Height21 m
Spread30 m
OriginNative
HealthGood
StructureGood
ULE25+ yrs
Arb ValueValuable
Risk Index<1/1,000,000
Risk CategoryBroadly Acceptable
Works PriorityNone
Works RequiredNo works required. Protect buttress root zone. Re-inspect within 2 years.
Notes: Magnificent veteran specimen — a significant community and ecological asset. Well-formed, healthy crown. Buttress roots extend up to 6m from base. Recommend a root zone exclusion of minimum 8m radius be established and maintained. This tree should be considered for heritage listing with the relevant local council.
Tree #6 —  Casuarina cunninghamiana (River Sheoak)MODERATE PRIORITY
Age ClassSemi-Mature
DBH34 cm
Height11 m
Spread5 m
OriginNative
HealthPoor
StructurePoor
ULE5–10 yrs
Arb ValueLow
Risk Index1/30,000–1/1,000
Risk CategoryTolerable
Works PriorityModerate
Works RequiredCrown reduction and deadwood removal. Undertake within 3 months. Reassess following works.
Notes: Significant crown dieback and poor overall structure. Located adjacent to a frequently used park bench and footpath. The elevated target occupancy combined with the tree's declining condition places it in the Tolerable risk category. Reduction works are recommended within 3 months to reduce wind loading and risk of failure.
Tree #7 —  Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box)LOW PRIORITY
Age ClassSemi-Mature
DBH48 cm
Height14 m
Spread9 m
OriginNative
HealthGood
StructureGood
ULE25+ yrs
Arb ValueMedium
Risk Index<1/1,000,000
Risk CategoryBroadly Acceptable
Works PriorityLow
Works RequiredCanopy lift to 4m clearance over footpath. Schedule within 12 months.
Notes: Healthy, well-structured specimen in good condition. Lower branches are encroaching into footpath clearance zone (currently 2.8m clearance). Canopy lift to a minimum of 4m over the path is required for pedestrian safety and council compliance. No structural concerns identified.
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