The Gippsland Lakes provides a major hub for tourism and are home to a large number of recreational boats and supporting marine services. A study in 2014 assessed the economic value of boating and marine industries associated with the Gippsland Lakes. The study was commissioned by the Boating Industry Association of Victoria and included all boating excluding commercial fishing. ( i.e. yachts, power boats and tourist associated boating services e.g charters). The economic modelling in the study included other sectors, retail, accommodation and food, boating repairs etc. The projected population growth for East Gippsland from 2011-2031 is estimated at 1.38% per annum and for Wellington Shire 0.58% per annum. In 2013 there were 12,658 boats registered in the Gippsland Lakes region. From 2009-2012 there was an increase in registrations of 1.6% and this is expected to grow. In 2011, 1.2 million people visited East Gippsland. This was a 16.5% increase from the previous year. Tourists identified the most popular reason for visiting the Gippsland Lakes was fishing (54%) followed by holidaying (23%). The majority of tourists were from other parts of Victoria with a small number from interstate and overseas. Overall the total net impact of the recreational boating industry in Gippsland is estimated at $163 million. The estimated gain from employment equals 2,814 FTE jobs. These numbers FAR OUTWEIGH THE ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF COMMERCIAL FISHING IN THE GIPPSLAND LAKES!! which in 2014 was estimated at $1.2 million with 168 FTE in jobs. Ref. The economic value of boating and marine industries associated with the use of Gippsland Lakes, Boating Industry of Victoria 2014