Blackbutt Reserve

There's a lot to love about Blackbutt!

Blackbutt Reserve is one of our city's most loved natural areas. Located in New Lambton, six kilometers from Newcastle city centre, it occupies 182 hectares of land consisting of natural bushland, 12 kilometres of walking trails, playgrounds, wildlife exhibits, picnic facilities and more.

It is a place for nature, connection and learning. We want to ensure it meets the needs of the community into the future.

That's why, from 21 June until 3 August 2025, we asked for your ideas, stories and suggestions for to help us plan for the next decade at Blackbutt.

How could I have my say?

You could participate by:

Completing the short survey

The survey asked questions about what you love about Blackbutt, how you currently use it and what you would like to see improved.
Sharing your vision

You could leave a comment or upload a photo below to share your vision for Blackbutt Reserve.
You could also see what other people are saying, and vote for your favourite ideas!

We also held a pop-up engagement activation at the Blackbutt Reserve Community Fun Day.

Three City of Newcastle staff standing under a marquee at Carnley Reserve with project signs around them, smiling at the camera

A City of Newcastle staff member under a marquee at Carnley Reserve, in conversation with a community member

A person in an inflatable koala costume in conversation with a young child at Carnley Reserve

Thanks for having your say!

Your feedback is working to help us to create an updated Plan of Management (PoM) for Blackbutt Reserve.

A PoM is a strategic roadmap for how a place is cared for, used and improved over time. For a much-loved natural area like Blackbutt Reserve, it helps ensure that the things people value are protected and looked after properly.

What did we hear?

We received over 320 responses. Key themes included:

Flora and fauna

Educational experiences and tours

Walking paths

Key visitation insights include:

Read the Summary Engagement Report for a quick overview of what we heard.

If you'd like to discover more, the Consultation Report contains further detail.

Where to next?

We are currently analysing your feedback. Additional information will be provided in a detailed report.

While we go through your feedback, we're using your ideas to guide the initial planning of the updated PoM. When a draft of the updated PoM is available, it will be placed on public exhibition, where you'll have another opportunity to have your say.