That’s almost in the same league as the truly big ticket items of the new Metro Tunnel and a revamped city loop.

The regional spend on better train services seems, on first reading, to have struck a similar chord. But what the government reckons is “regional” perhaps does not tally with the definition of those from the bush.

What it actually means is that more than a third of that $1.3 billion of regional spending is actually going to pseudo regional commuters.

It has heralded a $518 million spend on the Ballarat line.

It’s no surprise that Ballarat is in the picture, yet even that is misleading.

It’s actually for duplicating the line between Deer Park and Melton, which might be “regional” if you live in North Carlton but not for anyone else past Craigieburn.

The biggest, though predictable slap in the face has once again been delivered to the North East, with the announcement that $15 million will be forked out on a line upgrade.

We wonder if Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan was able to keep a straight face when she uttered the words “we’re investing in train lines across regional Victoria to give people the reliable service they deserve”. But then again, it was just a quote attributed to her in a media minder’s press release.

The best the government could promise – outside of a vague “long-term plan” for developing rolling stock on the line – was to stump up the cash for an extra carriage.

Yes, one carriage.

Oh, plus a revamp of our dud trains to “boost reliability", despite this “classic fleet” being decades past the use-by date.

The North East couldn’t even get a mention when the government trumpeted extra off-peak services.

Unsurprisingly, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong headed that list.

The only way to improve reliability is to actually spend the money that’s needed, and not the small change left over after delivering to every other area.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy has estimated that at least $500 million is needed for an additional broad gauge line to Wangaratta and for new rolling stock

The government wants the North East community to believe it is taking action while treating us all as idiots as it happily takes our taxpayer dollars.

It’s a disgrace.