A survey by South West Slopes Forestry Hub aims to understand community interests and increase awareness of the industry and its contribution to jobs and wellbeing.

There is currently about 125,000 hectares of land available for growing softwood plantation timber in the SW Slopes region. This represents about 3 per cent of the catchment areas above Lake Hume and Burrinjuck Dam.

South West Slopes Forestry Hub chair Peter Crowe said the hub's goal was to assist with identifying opportunities to expand the local industry.

"Even before the fires, the local plantations did not produce enough wood to meet the demands of the local processors," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"With the new plantation establishment rate static, about 30 per cent of the region's current wood needs are being met by other regions.

"This adds to costs and has significant transport, environmental and community disadvantages locally.

Mr Crowe said wood had been significantly reduced for the next 20 to 30 years as about 40 per cent of the plantation area was burnt.

"In addition to re-establishing the burnt areas, it has been estimated that an additional 30,000 hectares or 30 million new trees are required over the next 10 years to meet this region's demand," he said.

"We encourage people to fill in the survey and share it with their family and friends."

The questions can be accessed online at surveymonkey.com/r/SWSForestryHub until October 18.