Dunalley recovery on track: Tas premier

The town of Dunalley has achieved a great deal in the year since it bore the brunt of Tasmania's worst fires in almost half a century, Premier Lara Giddings says.

Record-breaking heat and high winds on January 4, 2013 resulted in 400 structures destroyed and a bill of $70 million but, remarkably, there were no deaths.

The damage was worst in the small community of Dunalley, east of Hobart, where more than 60 homes were lost.

Visiting the town on Saturday, Ms Giddings said a great deal of progress had been made in the year since the fires hit.

"I have been encouraged and inspired by the way this community has worked together to overcome significant challenges and is now looking towards a bright future," Ms Giddings said.

"So much has been achieved already, with the clean-up completed, many homes rebuilt or under construction, most of the appeal funds distributed or allocated and community projects underway."

A silver birch tree, a Celtic symbol of new beginnings, was planted in the town on Saturday.

In October, a report from former South Australian police commissioner Malcolm Hyde revealed Tasmania's emergency services were not ready for a large-scale crisis and its government was caught out by the needs of the recovery.

Ms Giddings said she was committed to implementing its recommendations.