Simply speaking, any arborist is able to develop and deliver defendable opinions in a report. Many Detective Dendro stories were based on arborist reports. Suspicious Specks turned on the mysteries within the tree. The one-page appraisal report was finished and faxed during a lunch break. Fearsome Fossil countered nine points raised in favour of executing a stinky ginkgo, and convinced an historical commission to spare it. Detectable Decline banished ‘mortality spiral’ myths and reversed a rival’s condemnation of a valued arboreal asset. We’ll extract elements of writing from these mostly true tales, turn some grammatical nuts and bolts, and rebuild the real-life reports.

Then we’ll head out to the trees, and see what they have to say. Templates will be provided, to help systematise the critical skills of forensic diagnosis.  See how Background, Assignment, Observations, Analysis, Discussion and Conclusions flow as smoothly as any conversation. Unlock the potential in basic cutting-and-pasting, and advance your ability to integrate illustrations, edit and revise. With confidence and practice, you can successfully sell your opinions in the form of arborist reports.

OUTLINE

• Introduce the topic and the speaker and the participants.
• Deconstruct the plots of stories into the elements of a report.
• Remove drama from assignments and reports
• Outdoor activity: Small groups reporting on appraisal.
• Lunch and discussions.
• Delving into inspecting tree condition and writing specifications.
• Outdoor inspection using both specimen and grove forms.
• Indoor discussion and the quest for consistency.

OUTCOMES

Participants will take away positive experiences using two different approaches to the management of trees. They will understand:

• Basic outlines and forensic methods to use for reports,
• How and when new information gets incorporated or not,
• What pitfalls and perils to look out for,
• How to keep clients, managers, and stakeholders on board, and
• How to deliver a defendable report that gets the job done.

By simply but systematically communicating:

• Contractors will gain more trust and confidence from clients,
• Employees will get through more to managers, and get more respect, and
• More trees will be better managed, and
• Public perception of the industry will improve.

INDUSTRY BENEFITS

People who attend this workshop and apply some of what they have seen will work all over the province of Queensland. They will see opportunities for their new skills to exert a positive outcome, wherever there are trees. People they interact with along the way will see tree care in a new way when objectives are clarified and specifications are clear and to the point — increasing tree value.

The purpose of the course is directly parallel with the interests of the industry. If management is simplified, the benefits and contributions made by trees will shine through. As the value of trees is appreciated, the value in tree managers, arborists who report, goes up as well.

Veteran trees can be transformed from perceived liabilities into cherished assets. By using International standards and practices, risk can be mitigated from high to acceptably low. Pruning is the most obvious and visible need; reducing the trees’ size can always reduce the likelihood of failure. But how much pruning is enough?  How much is too much?

We’ll look at research that provides reliable guidance toward answering these pruning questions. But let’s not forget the bottom half of the tree. Follow the ANSI A300 standard on the trunk, flare, and root inspection as we assess big old trees. Decay at the lower stem, flare and roots can be managed by inspection, treatment and monitoring. Document strength gain on monitoring visits. Give trees a chance to adapt to their environment and to our management.

Give our management a chance to adapt symbiotically to tree response.

Topics include:

• Ecological contributions of the tree and its associates;
• Cultural connections to regions, people, and history;
• Identification of strengths and weaknesses, assets and liabilities;
• Compartmentalization and response growth, making ‘defects’ stronger than ever;
• time-tested strategies for valuing and managing veteran trees.
• Potential treatments that are practised in other regions, and
• Mitigation Options that comply with international tree care standards.

OUTLINE

• Introduce the topic and the speaker and the participants.
• Review the state of the art and science of mature tree care.
• Review case studies of successes and failures.
• Outdoor activity: Small group inspections of specimens and groves.
• Lunch and discussions.
• Review tree and site conditions noted during morning inspections
• Advanced inspection and demonstration of treatments
• Develop, prioritise and write specifications.
• Wrap up: Questing for consistency.

OUTCOMES

Participants will take away positive experiences of successfully caring for veteran trees. Recent approaches to the management of trees. They will understand

• Basic systems and forensic methods to use for inspections,
• How to get more information directly from the tree ecosystem,
• What pitfalls and perils to look out for,
• How to develop and prioritise clear specifications,
• How to implement a defendable management plan that increases tree value.

By understanding and applying these specialised skills:

• Contractors will gain more valuable work from clients,
• Employees will be more valuable to managers,
• Arborists will get more respect, and
• More veteran trees will get better care.

INDUSTRY BENEFITS

People who attend this workshop and apply some of what they have seen will work all over the province of Queensland. They will see opportunities for their new skills to exert a positive outcome, wherever there are trees of high value. Objectives will be clarified and specifications clear and to the point — maximising tree health, safety, and longevity. People they interact with along the way will see big old trees not as liabilities but as the assets they are.

The purpose of the course is directly parallel with the interests of the industry. If the management of mature trees is simplified, their benefits and contributions will shine through. Public perception of trees and everyone in the tree care industry will improve. As the value of veteran trees is more widely appreciated, the value in veteran tree managers and arborists with those special skills goes up as well.

The Queensland Tree Climbing Championships are fast approaching….

When: Friday 25th & Saturday 26th August 2017
Where: Baden Powell Scout Camp: 68 Cash Avenue, Samford Valley QLD 4520
Gear Checks: Commence at 7.30am on Friday
Competition Start: 11:00am on Friday

• Gear Checks will available from 7:30am on Friday 25th August. Once gear check has been completed you will receive your competition t-shirt and wristband. A walk through of the events with the Head Judge will begin at 9:30am. The Competition will commence at 11:00am.
• Competitors (Including Rookies) must have current Financial Membership with the QAA to be eligible for any placings into the National or Asia Pacifics Competition.
• You may be listed under a Corporate Membership, please check with your employer or the QAA office.
• To be eligible for the for the Rookie prize you must be a first-time competitor.

Competitors Entry Fee includes:

• Competition T-Shirt (if early entry not made t-shirt size will be a medium)
• Lunch & Refreshments during the Competition
• Full Banquet dinner at the Presentation Ceremony on Saturday Night – Coast to Coast Golden Roast

Entry Fees for Competitors:

$165              QAA Member ($185 after 14^th August 2017)

$190              QAA Non-Member ($210 after 14^th August 2017) Not eligible to win major prize

$100              Rookie/Student

Entry into the Presentation Dinner for family & Friends of Climbers at Baden Powell Park in the Snow Centre:

$25                Adult Banquet

$16                4 – 10-year-old Banquet

FREE             3 and under

Copies of the Gear Check & Disclaimer will be available at the venue. Please ensure Registration paperwork is returned to the QAA Office ASAP.

**Competitors MUST be registered and paid for prior to the event, so avoid disappointment and book early**

Judges & Volunteers:

The QTCC is run by volunteers who currently serve on the current QAA committee, past committees or people who have a passion for the arboricultural industry.

These volunteers take time away from their businesses and family to produce this amazing event. Most years we have the same people return as they find it extremely rewarding and enjoy encouraging new climbers in the industry.

New volunteers are always welcomed and encouraged.

We are looking for volunteer judges to help out on the day and have your name down from previous competitions or feel that your industry experience would be welcomed at this event.

Your participation will include a free tee shirt and lunch and a great day out with like-minded people.

If you would like to join us again or become involved in this industry event, please let the QAA office know via phone 07 3821 1488 or email admin@qaa.net.au

We look forward to hearing from you.

Accommodation:

There is camping available on site at an extra cost. If you wish to take up this option please contact the QAA office who can organise this. There are also other accommodation options available around the area if you do a quick google search.

The QAA has sponsorship packs available for the event.

If you are interested in viewing the sponsor pack, please contact Bec in the Office to discuss.

Phone: 07 3821 1488

Email admin@qaa.net.au

Hello Dear TREENETTERS,
The TREENET Team are very much looking forward to your company in September. For regular attendees we know you’ll have another fantastic experience.  For those of you who are new to the national, two day TREENET event – you’ve made the best choice to travel to Adelaide this year – so be prepared for a great time and a magic program of presentations, field activities and forums; not to mention the usual buzz as you mingle with colleagues, old friends and new.

SYMPOSIUM

The 18th National Street Tree Symposium 7th and 8th of September 2017 REGISTER ONLINE HERE or Download Registration Form here	CEUs are offered for ISA Accreditation & for Arborists Registered with Arboriculture Australia
Program Teasers: Day One Day Two – Morning Field Activities Day Two – Afternoon Friday Forums	Registration Cost: Full x both days – $900 Full x one day – $450 Member Discount – 15% applies
TRADE DISPLAY BOOKING FORM

During Day One of the 18th National Symposium Institutional Members only are invited to display any products or new initiatives, offering a unique opportunity to reach an interested audience.

As stall space is limited, best to book your spot early.  Click on the link above to download the booking form.
Enquiries can be directed to Glenn on 0448 599 955 or glenn@treenet.org

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If you provide consulting services or contracting services or are employed by managing authorities dedicated to the care and conservation of trees in our towns and cities to make them more liveable, or simply a pathological tree lover, then the TREENET National Symposium and field day are for you!

On the first Thursday and Friday in September every year, the TREENET National Street Tree Symposium is held in Adelaide.

NEW VENUE for Day One! Thursday 7th September will be at the Sanctuary Function Room, Adelaide Zoo – for formal presentation of papers;

Day Two, Friday 8th September has a series of practical workshops and interactive forums which once again this year, will be conducted at the Waite Arboretum.

The hottest urban forest topics of the decade are presented by Australia’s leading educators, researchers, and practitioners.

The program is planned to cater for the diverse interests of those attending and to encourage interaction and networking with the presenters and colleagues.

All the papers presented since our Inaugural Symposium in 2000 can be accessed by clicking here.

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Due to popular demand, the TREENET post-Symposium Tour is on again!

Delegates & partners are invited to come along for a fabulous two-night social tour of the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu regions of South Australia.

Based in the coastal mecca of Victor Harbor, you’ll get to see and experience many interesting places, including culturally significant trees, Dean Nicolle’s Currency Creek Arboretum, project sites showcasing excellent approaches to street tree establishment and managing trees on development sites.  Yes, there are fabulous wineries too!

Full details, costs and registration link will appear here shortly.  Don’t miss out.

Places are limited and fully-paid bookings are essential.

BRISBANE – QAA Office: 26-40 Delancey Street, Cleveland
20th  – 22nd September 2017

Courses limited to 20 per session (final session for 2017)

**Registration/Cancellation deadline – 20th August 2017**

COURSE CONTENT

TREE BIOLOGY AND MECHANICS:

Participants will learn how to assess wood structure, decay and tree mechanics, and evaluate their impact on the likelihood of tree or tree part failure. Participants will also learn how to identify and assess defects and conditions that may affect the likelihood of failure.

TREE INSPECTION AND ASSESSMENT:

Participants will learn about types of targets, assess the likelihood of a tree or tree part impacting a target, and estimate the consequences of tree or tree part failure. Participants will also learn how to assess site factors that may influence the likelihood of failure.

DATA ANALYSIS AND RISK CATEGORISATION:

After learning the tree and target factors that must be assessed, participants will combine likelihood of failure, the likelihood of impact, and consequences of failure to derive a risk rating. This rating helps the assessor communicate tree risk to clients and risk managers, and allows comparison of risk levels between trees.

RISK REPORTING:

Participants will learn skills for clearly communicating tree risk to clients, both in written and verbal reports. Participants will also learn about the key components that should be included in a report after completing a tree risk assessment.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Course is a two-day educational course followed by a 1/2 day assessment that includes both a written and field component. The course prepares the participant to take the TRAQ assessment to become ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. It is required that you attend the course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.

The course cost includes all course materials, lunch, and refreshments on both training days and welcome refreshments upon arrival for the exam.

The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification is valid for five (5) years from the date the TRAQ exam is passed. The qualification holder is required to retake the course and pass the exam every five (5) years in order to maintain the qualification.

PREREQUISITES

To earn a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification you must hold or have held one of the following prerequisites (This is a modified list for the Australian Market, please contact the QAA office if you hold a credential not listed below for further information and assessment):

• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• ISA Certified Arborist (Certification ID is required)
• ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (Certification ID is required)
• European Tree Worker
• European Tree Technician
• AHC30810 Certificate III in Arboriculture
• NZ National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) Level 4
• ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) status
• A degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, traditional forestry, or horticulture that is part of a national qualifications framework or is from a college or university that is accredited or recognised under a system that is substantially similar to accreditation
• UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture
• Other Qualifications listed in the Handbook, under prerequisites

By applying to participate in a TRAQ event, you authorize the ISA to make your registration and contact information available to the local chapter/associate organisation. You agree to the terms, conditions, and policies outlined in the Tree Risk Assessment Candidate Handbook:
http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/resources/TRAQHandbook.pdf

This form is to apply to attend a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Course and Assessment. If you need to apply for a TRAQ exam retake only, you must contact qual@isa-arbor.com or call +1 217.355.9411

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION

If you have an accommodation request, please complete the Special Accommodation Request Form and return to the QAA Office: http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/resources/cert_AccommodationsRequest.pdf

PRICE

ISA MEMBER – $930.00

QAA QUALIFIED MEMBER – $985.00

QAA GENERAL MEMBER – $1,045.00

NON MEMBER – $1,200.00

(All prices are GST INCLUSIVE)

The QAA invite you to their 25 year Anniversary Dinner

The QAA are celebrating their 25th year.
You are invited to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Where:
Rydges – South Bank Brisbane
Level 12, Rooftop
9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101

When:
Saturday 23rd September 2017
Arrive 6.30pm for 7.00pm start – 11.00pm

Attire:
Formal Wear

Price:
$170 per person
$1,530 for a Table of 10

RSVP:
Please email admin@qaa.net.au by no later than 25th August 2017. Limited seats available.

Please contact Rydges to book your accommodation, please advise Rydges upon booking to receive you 20% discount on their best available rate.

Online bookings: http://www.rydges.com/customised-web-page/residential-delegate-direct-booking-page/
Telephone: 07 3364 0800 (please let your Reservations Representative know the Conference Name and date)

Please note rooms are not being held for guests and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking and discount may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
A 24-hour cancellation policy applies to all reservations. Any bookings cancelled after 2.00pm the day prior will incur a charge equivalent to one night’s accommodation.

Competitors Entry Closing Date:
6.00pm 29th September 2017 – entry via online only

Venue:
13 – 15 Mayall Street, Balranald, NSW on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River Drop pin – https://goo.gl/maps/xKJ9NaBdDx62 Latitude Longitude – 34°38’29.3”S 143°33’37.8”E

Dates:
Thursday 12th October 2017 • Practice Day (optional)

Friday 13th October 2017 • Qualifying Round (day) • Single Rope Technique (SRT) 30 metre head to head (evening to late)

Saturday 14th October 2017 • Elimination rounds and Grand Final • Red Bull Branched Out Dinner and Presentations. • Climbers also get an entry to the 5 Rivers Outback Festival hosted by Balranald Shire Council! Celebrate the night away!

Red Bull Branched Out Tree Climbing Event

The Red Bull Branched Out Tree Climbing Event is a new exciting and physical three-round elimination competition leading through to the Grand Final. The entire event has over AUD$15000 of cash up for grabs and AUD$8000 of equipment to be won making this one of the largest prize pool in the world for any tree climbing event. A big thank you to Arboriculture Australia™, Balranald Shire Council and all of the partners for supporting this new world class event.

In each round, all climbers that have qualified for the round must attempt a tree circuit according to the rules. After each round, a designated proportion of climbers will be eliminated; climbers with the fastest circuit times will progress through to the next round in which a new tree circuit will be added. The new circuit may be added to the previous circuit.

Qualifying for the 2017 Red Bull Branched Out Tree Climbing Event is open to any male and female over 16 years old who is a competent rope and harness tree climber with at least 2 years of tree climbing experience. There are only 100 positions available for this event. The positions available to compete in the event will be filled on a first in/registered basis.

An optional Practice Day will be available on the day prior to the Qualifying Round. A tree circuit will be pitched in a tree (which may be the same course to be run on the following day); climbers will be allocated a specific time (5 minutes) for practice to ensure all climbers have equal time.

The Qualifying Round will take place on the day prior to the main Red Bull Branched Out Tree Climbing Event. Please see the event schedule for exact days and times. Pre-qualification into the Quarter Final may be available at other designated events at the organiser’s discretion. The number of climbers who can make it for the subsequent rounds are outlined on Page 10.

The Qualifying Circuit and Quarter Final Circuit will normally be the easiest and fastest circuit to complete. The Semi Final Circuit will be of longer duration, with more challenging rope angles and/or tasks. The Grand Final Circuit will usually be the longest and most challenging circuit. The fastest male and female climber to complete the Grand Final Circuit will be announced as the inaugural Red Bull Branched Out Champion for 2017. If males or females are not represented in the Grand Final, the fastest time from the previous round will be crowned the male or female Champion. Climbers must complete the Qualifying Round and Quarter Final Circuit within a designated time limit (as determined by the Red Bull Branched Out Tree Climbing Event Head Technician prior to the event). For more details, please see the Event Rules on Page 15.

30 meter Single Rope Technique (SRT) Head to Head Event under lights.

This event will be held at the same site as the main event on the night of the Qualifying Round. Red Bull Branched Out participants have automatic entry included in their Red Bull Branched Out entry fee. In addition, entry is available to other tree climbers who did not opt to compete in the Red Bull Branched Out Tree Climbing Event. Climbers attending this event and wanting to only climb in the 30 metre SRT Head to Head Event can enter online.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION