Salvage operations have begun in the Snowy Valleys softwood plantations hit by massive bushfires.
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About 50,000 hectares of plantations in the southwest slopes was affected by the Dunns Road and Green Valley fires, but it is hoped much of that will be salvagable.
Salvageable pine trees need to be harvested within around 12 months, however, finished product can be stored for years under the correct conditions.
Forestry Corporation's Snowy regional manager Dean Anderson said the local forestry industry is looking at a busy 12 months ahead.
"We've found many of the burnt trees are moist underneath the bark, so will be salvageable," Mr Anderson said.
"In fact, when I started my forestry career in 1988, we were using the last of the logs salvaged from the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires in South Australia."
Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who visited the Tumut area last week, said forestry was a long-term sustainable industry and the recovery operation will also focus on replanting.
"Not only will the industry continue to grow, but there are job opportunities in these recovery efforts," Mr Barilaro said.
"The industry is already looking 20 to 30 years into the future to maintain supply of essential timber products."
While the work to salvage the pine plantations begin, other industries in the area are also returning to normal operations.
In Tumbarumba, the Hyne Timber mill is back up and running.
A number of workers from Queensland have been sent to Tumbarumba to assist with the mill's reopening, so local employed can take more time to recover if they need it.
The mill employs about 230 people directly.
Hyne Timber chief executive officer Jon Kleinschmidt said the Tumbarumba mill was categorised as critical infrastructure and was protected accordingly by strike teams.
"Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Fire and Rescue strike team to understand the reassuring fire prevention measures and readiness they had in place," Mr Kleinschmidt said.
"I also met with many Rural Fire Service volunteers and emergency services, many of whom are our own team members, who continued to fight bushfires, put in containment lines and help the broader community.
"Once small volumes of existing log yard stocks have been processed, we will be prioritising the processing of salvaged burnt log which we have done before. Once we remove the burnt bark, the structural grade timber is the same quality our customers value and we appreciate their ongoing support.
"I look forward to continued dialogue and support from all levels of Government to secure ongoing log supply and longer distance freight support, among other challenges, for the industry moving forward.
"As with support for individuals and wildlife, Government support for the industry and associated economy will be critical as part of the ongoing recovery efforts."