Far West Regional Director of Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Geoff Wise handed over the money from the Planning Reform Fund to the council.

The funds will be used for the preparation of a comprehensive land use planning strategy for the Walgett shire that will form the basis of a new Local Environment Plan.

The funding assistance is part of more than $5.8 million the State Government has allocated in planning reform funds to local government to strengthen local planning.

The strategy will particularly emphasise actions needed to ensure the capacity for long-term growth of the shire through the protection and management of agricultural and mineral bearing land.

It will also assist in preventing land use conflict and will identify future land and servicing needs for residential and industrial purposes.

Preparation of the new Local Environmental Plan to implement the strategy will be consistent with the planning reforms announced by infrastructure and planning minister Craig Knowles.

"The Government is helping councils roll out the planning system reforms that will bring significant long-term benefits to their communities.

"The linking of strategic planning such as this to future infrastructure priorities and funding is a major focus of the planning reforms and will provide the foundation for sustainable growth during the next 30 years," Mr Knowles said.