Among the startling details contained in the full business case is that it would have taken almost 60 years to pay for the project’s construction. It also reveals the eastern section would, in fact, increase congestion on some of Melbourne’s busiest roads.

The release of the business plan might provide justification for Labor not continuing with the project as it does not resolve the city’s traffic-flow problems.

Labor’s plan to instead support the West Gate Distributor project will see a number of smaller projects in the city’s west, designed to remove trucks from the West Gate Bridge and associated roads.

It also supports the Metro Rail tunnel, although this project will be difficult to deliver without federal government support.

In simple terms, Melbourne is without a vision for a major rail or road revitalisation – and that is a major concern.

The concerns are predicated on a rapidly increasing population and an already crowded public transport system.

In a Ballarat context, it is vital to sell to prospective business the links between our city and the port of Melbourne and the central business district.

It’s partly why the Coalition made the link such a central plank of its re-election platform. Simply, the broad benefits of investment in major metropolitan infrastructure has the means to benefit all.

What we need now is to look to the future, not the past. To be a thriving state, it is important that investment in new infrastructure keeps pace with growth. It is also incumbent upon the government to ensure the investment is appropriate and sustainable.

Clearly, there is a lack of such projects in Melbourne at this point. It is important that the Andrews government resurrects its infrastructure policy platform to align with community needs – otherwise it will face the wrath of voters, just like its predecessor.