Member for Calare, Hon. Andrew Gee MP, said large parts of the Central West were seriously impacted by the severe flooding and storm damage, and encourages residents to lodge a claim for assistance.

"The Central West has been well and truly soaked this past month, causing rainfall records to tumble right across the region," Minister Gee said.

"I'm urging local residents whose hip pockets took a hit due to the severe storms to apply for the new Disaster Recovery Allowance provided by the Federal Government."

Parts of the region were overwhelmed by floodwaters, where many residents and business owners were pushed into distress and left under financial strain.

"Floodwaters inundated low-lying parts of the region, forcing local residents to stay home and protect their property, and in some cases, even cut them off from leaving the area completely," Minister Gee stated.

"Businesses [in the Calare electorate] were forced to close early to prepare for the flooding event and were out of action during the clean-up."

Communities in the Calare electorate include those residing in the Local Government Areas of Orange, Cabonne, Bathurst, Blayney, Dubbo, Lithgow, Mid-Western and Oberon.

With many Cabonne residents having been hit the hardest during the November floods, Cabonne Council's general manager, Brad Byrnes, has welcomed the recent DRA announcement with open arms.

"[Cabonne] Council thanks the Federal Government for making this funding available," Mr Byrnes stated.

"The community has absolutely taken a hit - particularly our small businesses - which regions like Cabonne thrive on [so], this support is welcomed."

Mr Brad Byrnes also acknowledged the strength of Cabonne residents during a time where the community has had to face several recent adversities.

"Coming off the back of a prolonged drought and the extensive COVID-19 restrictions, the community has again shown resilience in the face of recent floods," Mr Byrnes stated.

"[Cabonne] Council took over 1000 calls over the weekend of the floods, and crews worked tirelessly with the SES, RFS and NSW Police force to get roads re-opened and detours in place where possible.

"It is incredibly humbling to see a show of community spirit and goodwill to help those hit hardest by the flooding. The streets were busy with people filling sandbags, clearing debris and helping in any way they could."

Where incomes have been directly affected after the extreme weather hit the region, the introduction of the government's DRA will now provide payments to those people for up to 13 weeks.

Eligible residents will receive the equivalent to the maximum rate of the Jobseeker Payment, or Youth Allowance.

"The Australian Government is committed to helping locals get back on their feet," Minister Gee stated.

Claims for the DRA can be made to Services Australia from Tuesday, December 14.

The Australian Government Emergency Information Line will assist claims on 180 22 66 from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Eligibility for Flood Recovery Assistance can be checked online at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster or for further information on Australian Government disaster assistance, head to www.disasterassist.gov.au