The New South Wales Government has lodged a preliminary environmental assessment of the west metro rail line with the Department of Planning.

The $9 billion underground metro would run from the CBD to Westmead with 11 stops including Leichhardt, Strathfield and Parramatta.

The Government says it now plans to consult with the community about the fine details.

Transport Minister David Campbell says a partnership with private business or the Federal Government is needed to fund the project.

“There is no funding for construction but that doesn’t mean we don’t move through the planning,” he said.

“It’s important that we do engage the community in this public consultation phase.”