Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve is located between New Lambton and Kotara.[1] The north and west of the reserve is on Lookout Road and the south is on Carnley Avenue.[1] Since the 1960s, captive animals were displayed, and barbecues and picnic tables were gradually added.[2] In 2014, after the discovery of an old mine shaft, the Carnley Avenue Recreation Area was added.[2] The park is also known as Richley Reserve - named after Joe Richley, the president of the Northern Parks and Playground Movement, who was very involved in preservation of the reserve.[3] The site currently covers 152 hectares, with the northern end being to sold to create the Newcastle Regional Art Gallery.[4]

The area of Blackbutt Reserve was originally a coal mine owned by the Scottish-Australian Mining Company.[3] In 1824, the Australia Agricultural Company found coal on the northern ridge.[4] In 1825, the first underground mine called "B" pit started.[4] Mining commenced in 1863.[3] In 1899, the site was owned by Borehill Colliery.[4]

Between 1915 and 1928, S.A.M Company sold small subdivisions in Lambton, New Lambton and Kotara.[3] During the 1920s, the RSL had purchased an 80-hectare lot on the southern end to create market gardens for soldiers affected by PTSD, but the project failed and the land was sold to Lambton Municipal council.[4]

In 1932, an auction was held on the land, with only 5 of 52 lots being sold.[3] In 1934, Joe Richley, president of the Northern Parks and Playground movement, persuaded New Lambton Council to purchase 6 hectares of bushland.[2] In 1937, New Lambton Council purchased two adjoining 80 acres blocks, making a total land area of 240 acres.[4]

Parliament passed the Municipal Amalgamation Act 1 in 1938, which allowed small councils to be merged into one larger authority.[4] The land was placed in trusteeship by Newcastle City Council in 1938.[2] The 1938, 17 acres were purchased on Lookout Road.[3]

In 1940, Blackbutt Reserve was 144 acres.[3] In 1949, part of Blackbutt Reserve was cut off due to the expansion of Carnley Road.[1]

In 1956, Newcastle CIty Council purchased another 270 acres from the S.A.M company.[3] In 1958 part of Blackbutt Reserve was damaged by fire and the introduction of exotic plant species such as lantana.[1]

In 1963, Newcastle City Council began the Blackbutt program as an effort to restore the reserve after it was overtaken by weeds.[2] In 1985, the mining pit was closed and the land was given to Newcastle City Council for residential use.[4] In 1993, the old mine site was renovated and then reopened for public use by Lord Mayor Joy Cummings; it was renamed Richley Reserve.[4]

In 1966, it was announced that Highway No.23 was proposed to be built through the middle of Blackbutt Reserve.[3] In July 1966, Newcastle City COuncil held a meeting to discuss the Department of Main Roads announcement.[5] After much public protest, the Federal Government appointed a committee to examine the environmental impacts of Highway 23 on 23 July 1974.[1] The report recommended that the Highway 23 project did not progress due to its environmental impact including disruption to bird life, impact on trees, reduced soil quality and noise pollution.[1]

In the 1940s, it was suggested that it be called King George V Park or Duke of Windsor Reserve.[4] In 1950s, a large zoo similar to Taronga Park was proposed.[4] The Northern Parks and Playgrounds movement become involved at Blackbutt Reserve in 1953 after rumours of the possibility of establishing a bowling club at the lookout.[6] In 1956, Newcastle City Council wanted to divide the northern part of Blackbutt Reserve into a housing division but, due to public protest, this project was abandoned.[3] In 1958 a Newcastle City Council announced a sub-division but due to pressure by the Northern Parks and Playgrounds Movement and 79 other organisations, it was abandoned.[5] In 1960s, it was suggested to make the site of the Hunter Valley Botanical Gardens.[4] In 1963, the Department of Education announced a plan to purchase a part of the reserve to a build high school but, due to a campaign led by the Northern Parks and Playgrounds Movement, the minister announced that none of Blackbutt Reserve was going to used as a high school.[5] In 1970s, it was suggested to make the site a private school.[4] In the 1990s, it was suggested to build a 60-meter observation tower.[4]