Treatment cost slashed

Medicine for chronic bowel disease earns PBS listing, making access affordable

being on the road and away from home.”

Penrith resident Susan Brosz was first diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in 2001 – a chronic bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, and one of the two main inflammatory bowel diseases alongside Crohn’s disease.

Now at 63-years-old, she said the disease has made her life extremely complicated, forcing her to step away from many of the things she loves to do.

“UC is very uncomfortable and unpredictable. It makes me frightened to leave home, because I never know when a food or situation could cause the disease to flare up. Sometimes I need to visit the bathroom 26 times a day during a flare up,” she said.

“I used to love road running, but I can’t do that anymore. I just use a treadmill at home. I’ve lost confidence with

Though she’s been able to manage her diagnosis by fasting when necessary and staying as fit and active as possible with her eight grandchildren, Brosz said it wasn’t until a new treatment popped up last year that her struggles finally eased.

“After exhausting all available treatment options, I was facing surgery to help manage my UC,” she said.

“Fortunately, I started a new UC treatment option last year which has helped me lift many of my diet and lifestyle-related restrictions.”

Now, more people like Brosz are set to experience some relief, with newly reimbursed treatment option ZEPOSIA (ozanimod) now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from Monday, May 1, significantly cutting the cost of treatment.

With an estimated 33,000 Aussies currently living with UC, and the need for multiple treatment options extremely common, gastroenterologist, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Service Lead, and Crohn’s Colitis Cure board member, Professor Susan Connor has openly supported this reimbursement.

“Ulcerative Colitis is a

Development Consent/s Determined

chronic, life-long, inflammatory bowel disease with no cure. It is also a young person’s disease, which is most commonly diagnosed between 15 to 25 years of age,” she said.

“This means people are living with symptoms of the disease for decades, which can change and worsen over time. As clinicians, we welcome today’s reimbursement of another treatment option for Australians living with Ulcerative Colitis.”

As a strong advocate for those living with UC, Brosz has also welcomed the reimbursement, in hopes that others will feel the same relief she has.

“People living with UC require multiple different treatment options as we all respond differently to various medications. Government reimbursement of medications makes them more accessible, especially for Australians on a low income,” Brosz said.

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Approved Development Applications

• Luke Tyler Fornasier Mod23/0052

Lot 250 DP 815531,1 Irruka Place, Cranebrook Modification of DA22/0874

• Outback Pools Pty Ltd DA23/0103

Lot 4246 DP 1234611, 15 Sailor Street, Jordan Springs

In-ground swimming pool

• Diane Gay Pelle CD23/0003

Lot 5091 DP 260508, 33 Timesweep Drive, St Clair

Demolition of existing concrete in ground swimming pool

• Enviroguard Pty Ltd

Mod22/0198

Lot 4 DP 1094504, 50A Quarry Road, Erskine Park

Section 4:55(2) modification to an approved Leachate Treatment Plant

• The Learning Jungle Pty Ltd

DA22/1212

Lot 48A Sec C DP 1573, 139 Victoria Street, Werrington

Alterations and additions to an existing childcare centre and increase capacity to 80 x children

• Ramnik DA23/0145

Lot 1 SP 83479, 32 Swamphen Street, Erskine Park

Alterations and additions to existing dual occupancy dwelling

• Jacob Andrew Marchant DA23/0114

Lot 4023 DP 713869, 23 Palomino Road, Emu Heights Shed

• Clarendon Homes DA22/0892

Lot 8 DP 1209152, 156 Church Lane, Castlereagh

Single storey dwelling, installation of an OSSM System and 88b variation

• Irresistible Pools & Spas DA23/0128

Lot 2 DP 1020587, 30–34 South Street, Glenmore Park

Demolition of existing swimming pool and construction of In-ground swimming pool

• Paula Micallef DA23/0203

Lot 14 DP 243554, 191–201 Chain-O-Ponds Road, Mulgoa

Demolition of existing pool and construction of In-ground swimming pool

• Outback Pools Pty Ltd DA23/0103

Lot 4246 DP 1234611, 15 Sailor Street, Jordan Springs

In-ground swimming pool

Refused Development Application

• Baini Design DA22/1188

Lot 20 DP 206813 and Lot 21 DP 206813, 36 Leonard Street, Colyton

Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of a child care facility x 102 children with basement parking and associated works

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity. nsw.gov.au/DATracker Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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