Back-of-the-envelope ideasThe anger over the SRL stems not from the concept or hoped-for benefits, albeit long-term, it is that other far more worthy rail projects should have had priority. For example, MM2, the Melbourne Metro rail from Clifton Hill to Newport, has a solid business case and fulfils a proven need. Likewise, substantially upgrading rail services in the north and west, and addressing the abundant needs of the expanding suburbs. In response to your correspondent, many do get the benefits of the SRL. The issue is the failure to prioritise vital rail connections, with guaranteed benefits for the vast majority of Melburnians as opposed to a back-of-the-envelope idea with limited capacity to improve the lives of the minority.Mike Reece, Doncaster
Melbourne not aloneI agree with your correspondent regarding the SRL (鈥淟ong-term benefits鈥, Letters 1/7). Paris has an extensive Metro system, trains arriving every few minutes. It is currently doubling the size of this network and building a loop connecting the outer stations. China is doing similar works in Beijing and Shanghai. Melbourne is not alone with this project and no doubt future generations will be thankful for it.Peter Robinson, Kilsyth
Waiting too longThe west of Melbourne has been neglected for decades, particularly in relation to public transport. All stations between Sunshine and Melton rely on an infrequent, often packed V/Line service. Promises to electrify the track to Melton have come and gone. Now, another review has highlighted the urgent need to electrify the Melton line. Confoundingly, the review and Michael Poulton, of advocacy group the Committee for Ballarat, also suggest extending electrification to Bacchus Marsh. Passengers on the V/Line train from Ballarat would then change to a 鈥渟huttle鈥 service at Bacchus Marsh. This would arguably improve frequency and travel times for regional commuters. Ballarat has long been spruiked as a commuter city. The service to Melbourne now takes at least 20 minutes longer than it did two decades ago due to it becoming a proxy metro service on reaching Melton. Why not address the real issue. Give commuters on the Melton line a proper rail service and not use the Ballarat V/Line trains to plug the gap.Denise Chadwick, Soldiers Hill
Inviting inputBest practice when developing policies and laws is to consult those affected, as the state Labor government proposes to do in Indigenous affairs (鈥淵oorrook commission split over findings on injustices against Indigenous people鈥, 1/7). However, Opposition Leader Brad Battin has opposed a First Nations advisory body saying, 鈥淲e have already seen a referendum here in Victoria that opposed the Voice. I will continue to stand with those Victorians and say the Voice is not needed.鈥 On the contrary, the input of Indigenous people, in policies that directly affect them, is sorely needed and long overdue. Policies that will work, producing better outcomes, will be the result. Isn鈥檛 that our goal?Lyn Shiells, Glen Iris