"Many have criticised outdated equipment in the Rural Fire Service. Others have questioned how the Dunns Road fire was able to get away in the first place," Dr McGirr told Parliament on Wednesday.

"Given the value of the resources lost and those at risk in the future, is it time we established a separate fire mitigation agency with the powers to force landowners and government departments to have their properties appropriately cleaned and fire risk reduced?

"I expect the State Government inquiry will examine those suggestions, among others."

Dr McGirr made the comments as part of a motion on long-term disaster recovery.

The bushfire started on December 28 between Tarcutta and Adelong before burning south through 330,000 hectares in the Snowy Valleys Council area over 50 days.

The fire claimed a man's life at Batlow, destroyed more than 100 homes and inflicted significant damage on the timber, horticultural and agricultural industries.

The Dunns Road bushfire also joined up with the Green Valley bushfire that started just across the Victorian border.

Mouats Farm owner and Batlow apple orchardist Greg Mouat said he supported an investigation into the Dunn Road Fire's early stages.

"In the 1970s and 80s, what was then the Forestry Commission had a larger presence in terms of employment and firefighting capacity and capability," he said.

"I think that would have made a large difference, they were more able to protect their assets.

"Forestry Corporation has closed their workshop up here in Batlow...there was a huge build up of fuel, not only in the state forest but in the bush surrounding.

"There needs to be some questions answered from Forestry Corporation on that one and also from other who look after controlled burning."

Dr McGirr called for the inquiry while moving his 'Public Interest Debate' motion on bushfires.

The independent MP asked the lower house to note "the effects of the unprecedented and catastrophic bushfire disaster are still being felt across NSW, and specifically across the Snowy Valleys and Wagga City Council".

Dr McGirr also asked that the house "recognises the impact of climate change and other factors contributing to this bushfire disaster period" and "acknowledges the need for a commitment to a sustained recovery program" around the health of residents and long-term economic recovery.

The motion was carried with the support of government and opposition MPs.

Dr McGirr told Parliament that the Snowy Valleys Council would see "effects of the disastrous fire will extend longer here than possibly anywhere in NSW".

"In addition to tourism and agriculture, the softwood industry and horticulture in the area have also been impacted," he said.

"It will take 20 to 30 years to recover from the loss of close to 40 per cent of its pine plantations. Once the black wood is harvested, we face a real cliff in the supply of wood and jobs.

"Batlow's orchards may take up to a decade to recuperate. In the interim, we must develop and implement industry-specific support plans and fund projects that will provide alternative economic sustainability."

Snowy Valleys mayor James Hayes welcomed Dr McGirr's motion.

"It's good that he is supporting us," he said.

"Certainly it needs a lot of attention and not just a Band-aid; it will need to be ongoing support from the state and federal governments."

Tumbarumba Hotel licensee Greg Scanlon also said it was good to keep reminding the government about bushfire recovery.

"The timber here is burnt to the ground. Once the timber's gone it's a 30-year process to grow again. "The town is going to struggle once the timber is gone," he said.

Dr McGirr also called for the government to "prepare communities for the increasing intensity of future disasters".

"We must acknowledge the impact of climate change and its contribution to the bushfires," he told Parliament.

"Firefighting and weather experts warned that this summer would be catastrophic-and it was. We must act to stop climate change."