Lead Balloon is right. Flying is economic activity and has what's termed a multiplier effect in that every dollar spent directly on flying generates about eight dollars of further activity.
However Governemnt inefficiencies in regulation reduce the aviation spend and hence economic activity - this is why I have been banging on about the "jobs, investment growth" mantra. properly implemented, a stimulation program not only pays for itself, it generates huge returns for the community.
You can get some idea of the impact of economic improvement by looking at Narromine during Ausfly, or any other town having a show, festival, etc.
Now imagine that the skies around Australia are buzzing with happy GA flyers - the increased activity is a win for the whole community jobs,growth and investment.
The killer of course is Government (mis)regulation which is killing the flying and hence the aforesaid jobs growth and investment.
To put that another way, during a Two week safari to northern SA, I would have spent more on food and accommodation, etc then the aircraft hire.