With eight main towns and a diverse range of industries, East Gippsland has a solid demand for skilled employees across a wide range of industries and offers excellent opportunities for trade-qualified and professional people.

The food-production sector is of vital importance to East Gippsland with food manufacturing and production fundamental drivers of the regional economy.

The commodities of this sector include fruit and vegetable crops, livestock (meat and products), bakery products, seafood, beverage and food support services.

Lakes Entrance is the home of one of Australia's largest fishing fleets, while Mallacoota is the base of a significant abalone industry. Catches are supplied to markets in Melbourne and Sydney.

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East Gippsland's Economic Profile

Home to 47,316 people, East Gippsland supports 16,539 jobs and has an annual economic output of $4.948 billion.

More statistics on the region's industry and employment can be found on our Economic Profile site.

Here you can find details on the region's economy, including:

• Household disposable income
• Employment by sector
• Productivity
• Population and demographics
• Economic indicators
• Labour force statistics
• Gross regional product by industry

The Economic Development Strategy 2022 - 2032 is our key regional economic policy document, aimed to achieve high levels of economic prosperity for our region, and builds on East Gippsland’s Community Vision 2040.

Inclusive economic prosperity isa critical enabler of the quality of life we desire in East Gippsland and drives a range of community outcomes.

The Strategy outlines Council’s role under nine Focus Areas. The objectives for each of the Focus Areas are designed to work toward the East Gippsland Community Vision 2040 and demonstrate the strategic direction and contribution of Council.

See more at Economic Development Strategy 2022 - 2032.

Tourism visitor economy data and research:

• ‍National Visitor Survey from Australia Tourism Research Australia‍
• Victoria reimagining Australia's visitor economy submission (June 2021)‍
• Greater Gippsland domestic travel visitation (YE March2021)‍
• Greater Gippsland domestic travel visitation (YE September 2021)

Future tourism developments in East Gippsland:

Towards 2030 Gippsland - Destination Management Plan

‍Industry newsletters for tourism businesses:

• Destination Gippsland - subscribe here for monthly tourism industry updates‍
• East Gippsland Business Connect - subscribe here for business support news

East Gippsland offers a diverse and thriving tourism landscape, underpinned by its world-class natural assets, vibrant communities, and growing visitor economy. From the UNESCO-listed Croajingolong National Park and the iconic Gippsland Lakes to the Alpine High Country and Ninety Mile Beach, the region is a magnet for nature-based and adventure tourism. East Gippsland is also proud to be the first Victorian destination to achieve ECO Destination Certification, recognising its commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Building on this momentum, Council has explored emerging niche markets, including equine tourism, through the recently completed Equine Tourism Pre-Feasibility Study. This study highlights the potential for East Gippsland to become a premier destination for horse-based tourism experiences, leveraging our scenic trails, rural landscapes, and strong equestrian culture. These opportunities align with Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2022–2032, which supports innovative tourism development and sustainable growth across the region.

Events in East Gippsland

Community spirit is alive and well in East Gippsland, every weekend you can find a bustling market, sporting event or festival.

We play a major role in supporting, approving and delivering over 200 events each year. Through events, we are committed to promoting our region, supporting tourism and encourage connected communities. We look forward to hearing from organisations and groups about your next event.

Contact an Event Officer via email or call 03 5153 9500.

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Event Permit

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you are likely to need an Event Permit.

• Are you organising a gathering where more people than usual are gathered at the onetime?
• Will the activities sit outside the approved use of the venue?
• Will there be impacts on the community?
• Is this event within East Gippsland Shire Council’s public open spaces and managed land and will you be inviting the general public?

Visit the Initial Event Permit Advice page to get started on your application.

or more information on how to apply for an event permit, visit the Events page.

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East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-2026

The East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-2026 outlines how East Gippsland can increase the economic, social and environmental benefits from events.

For the past 11 years, Council has maintained support for the development of events which provide an economic boost to East Gippsland through the Regional and District Events Sponsorship program (RADES).  

With an increasingly competitive environment for event procurement and rising expectations regarding event delivery and visitor experience, a review of Council’s approach to growing East Gippsland’s event portfolio was required.

The East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-2026 takes a fresh approach to growing and strengthening existing signature events and leveraging the existing event-procurement budget to ensure better value of Council’s investment in this area. Council adopted the plan in October 2021.

Find out more at East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-26.

Omeo has a proud history and an exciting future and now is your chance to be part of it.

We invite you to read over two key reports that together with community consultation will help to guide Omeo’s visitor economy and strengthen its local identity.

• Omeo Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report – This report sets out strategies to grow tourism by leveraging Omeo’s strengths in heritage, natural landscapes, and outdoor recreation. It identifies opportunities for new accommodation, infrastructure, and partnerships to better support visitors and businesses.
• Omeo and Region Prospectus - This report outlines why now is the time to invest in the Omeo region and showcases the promising opportunities across accommodation, services, and experiences for investors.

East Gippsland is a source of high-value healthy foods, which through collaboration, innovation, sustainable practices, effective marketing and distribution to local, national and global markets, strengthen the region’s economic development and social wellbeing.

This diverse produce-growing region boasts an incredible abundance of fresh local produce, including:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Beef and lamb
• Seafood
• Milk and cream
• Eggs
• Honey

With its fertile soils, good rainfall and temperate climate, East Gippsland is a food bowl, producing fresh fruit and vegetables all year round.

The region is also renowned for its high-quality beef and excellent seafood.

The region also produces outstanding wine, beer, olives and olive oil, chocolate and condiments.

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