History of Blackbutt Reserve

 

As I stated last week this week’s post concerns the history of Blackbutt Reserve.

Blackbutt Reserve exists today because a coal mine failed, a land auction flopped, and a handful of determined Novocastrians fought for decades to protect the bushland. It is now Newcastle’s largest natural reserve at 182 hectares.

The land sat entirely within a huge Scottish‑Australian Mining Company lease. Mining began in 1863, but because operations were underground, the surface bushland remained largely intact.

As coal declined and taxes rose, the company tried to sell off small subdivisions in Lambton, New Lambton, and Kotara between 1915–1928. In June 1932, 52 lots were auctioned—only five sold due to the Great Depression. This

failure opened the door for councils to buy the land for public use.

This why the failed 1932 land auction saved the bush

Joe Richley, president of the Northern Parks and Playgrounds Movement, convinced New Lambton Council to buy 6 hectares in 1934—the first piece of what became Blackbutt Reserve.

The in 1937 more land was purchased, and by 1938, the NSW Government resumed additional parcels. In 1938 there was a council shake up and the land came under Newcastle City Council trusteeship.

By 1940, the reserve covered 144 acres, from the 1950’s to the 1970’s there was expansion damage from fire and restoration started. In 1966 Community groups successfully fought off a proposed expressway through the reserve.

From the 1970’s saw captive animal displays, picnic areas, barbecues, and walking tracks.

The old mining pit closed in 1985 and was later redeveloped.

The renovated area reopened as Richley Reserve, named after Joe Richley, 1993.

Then in 2014 construction at Carnley Avenue uncovered a 19th‑century brick‑lined mine shaft that had never appeared on any official maps—an unexpected archaeological find.

Today, Blackbutt spans 182 hectares, making it Newcastle’s largest and most ecologically significant reserve.