Think the Melb metro idea is a much better idea than this. There are blackspot areas in Melb that don't even have access to rail (e.g. Doncaster) which will be addressed using this. Imagine not having to take so many modes of transport to get from A to B.
Not saying regional rail isn't important, but given most of the population is metro Melb and the fact that traffic is only getting worse.... efficient PT to get cars off the road is absolutely critical. Try driving in/out of the city especially during peak hour or even on a main metro road and you can see the issue we face.
I'll give you a personal story just to assist: A year ago it took me approx 40 mins to get from my house which is in the northern suburbs to the school I taught at which was in the outer eastern suburbs. A few months ago when I still worked there, it took me over an hour to do the exact same journey at the exact same time. Don't think that was just luck. Having driven for quite a few years now, I have seen the traffic changes (in a very negative way, only getting much worse).
There are still regional upgrades happening, just not the exact same as what is proposed in your link:
https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projectsIn an ideal world - all of these grand plans would be addressed and we'd all be happy.
would be rebuilt over 10 years
And this is what really frustrates me with politics - a term is 3-4 years depending on whether state/federal. You seriously cannot make long-term promises like this, whatever side you're on.