Government report about the ABC known as the Lithgow panther released - 'Reports of large black cats in NSW'

An article appeared on Ninemsn on 15th July with the misleading title "No solid evidence of Lithgow panther":

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8378...

It gave some sketchy details of a NSW government report produced by the the Department of Primary Industries says which recommended that while there's no conclusive evidence of a large black cat prowling Sydney's western outskirts, evidence of any future sightings should still be collected.

The Department have helpfully provided the following identification fact sheet and unidentified animal reporting form to aid the public:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pe...

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/?a...

The report also suggests a whole-of-government taskforce be formed should any compelling evidence emerge.

However, the article claims the release of three pages of findings has been "watered down".

A 24-page report is said to recommend the government erect warning signs about the potential existence of the animals, or conduct education sessions at local schools.

You can decide for yourself here:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pe...

Curiously, although the story broke just a few days ago, the report itself is dated 26 Mar 2009 ...

Renewed state government interest in the possible existence of the cat was sparked last year when the unpopular NSW Premier Nathan Rees said he no longer believed the reports were an urban myth.

The creatures are said to roam from Penrith to the Hawkesbury region in Sydney's northwest, along the Nepean River and across the Blue Mountains to Lithgow.

Ironically, this supposed territory coincides with that of the local NRL football club called the Penrith Panthers - a title by which the ABC is also known.

Mr Rees was refusing to talk about the panther's existence following the report's release on Wednesday. It is not known if the Premier is a Penrith Panthers fan ...