Peninsula Link: some questions

Peninsula Link, previously known as the Frankton bypass, will go ahead. Which is a pity.

As we know, freeways like the Peninsula Link do nothing to solve transport congestion, make traffic flow easier, or make life better for people around Frankston. But it is being sold as a project that will improve travel times and provide an economic stimulus.

I have some questions

1. If its such a great economic stimulus why did the Federal Government not support it?
2. Why is this a priority? Eastlink in trouble maybe?

This is an incredible unsatisfactory project and right now, in my opinion, it smacks more of corporate welfare then economic stimulus or good transport planning.