The Tasmanian sawlog owners at the centre of the controversial north-east softwood supply deal are confident an investigation will find their negotiations were fair and proper.

The board of the Taswood Growers joint venture today agreed to the State Government's plan for an independent audit.

Forestry Tasmania's private partner, GMO Renewable Resources, had to agree to an investigation into how Scottsdale sawmiller Auspine lost its contract to Forest Enterprises Australia (FEA).

The joint venture will cooperate, but noted it is very unusual for commercial contractual negotiations to be audited.

Taswood Growers says it is confident the auditor-general Mike Blake will confirm the process was fair and proper.

The investigation's go-ahead was welcomed by Auspine workers such as Aaron Down, who handed out stickers and badges at the Mowbray race course.

"FEA was wrongly given the log supply and we want that decision overturned and we're just out trying to get that message out to the public and get their support," he said.

The auditor-general began his preliminary inquiries this morning by meeting Forestry Tasmania chiefs.