For the first time since the Hunter was plunged into lockdown in August, Blackbutt Reserve’s picnic areas will be open today for groups to participate in outdoor recreation.
In line with NSW Government advice, up to five fully vaccinated people can now gather outdoors, and enjoy the improvements undertaken at the city’s new and improved reserve.
Newcastle City Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said council staff had been busy maintaining the site during lockdown, and had begun undertaking $200,000 worth of improvements to “enhance the natural environment and visitor experience at Blackbutt now and into the future”.
Improvements to the carparks at Carnley Avenue and Richley Reserve were completed during the park’s closure, and included line marking, installation of wheel stops and new signage.
Crews have also started modernising the reserve’s existing irrigation system, and have begun work installing two new irrigation systems at Richley Reserve, “which will significantly improve water efficiency and the user experience of this area”, council said.
In the coming months, work will begin on upgrading sections of the boardwalk that flows through the wildlife animal exhibits.
The boardwalk project involves replacing supports at the koala enclosure, which council said “delivers a truly unique visitor experience”.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Blackbutt’s staff had continued to feed and care for the animals in the wildlife exhibits throughout lockdown, as well as undertaking improvements on key infrastructure.
Maintaining Blackbutt Reserve during COVID has been no easy feat, as the reserve spans not only 182 hectares of bushland, but is home to an abundance of native animals.
A wallaroo, two koalas, two wombats, eight emus, 10 kangaroos and 19 wallabies, as well as a dozen reptile species, two frog species and over 40 bird species reside at the reserve.
The lord mayor commended council staff for “working hard” to maintain the reserve.
“Looking after the environment and its inhabitants is no small task. It’s a lot of mouths to feed every day and looking after all of them takes time and care,” Cr Nelmes said.
Home to one of Newcastle’s most popular walking tracks, Blackbutt Reserve has been a haven for locals looking for COVID-safe exercise options during lockdown, and its further reopening is a welcome sight for residents.
Callaghan local Simba Ndoro said he was “thrilled” to see the picnic areas reopen, and said there was “no doubt” he would be taking advantage of the reserve once he had received his second jab.
“Blackbutt has always been a great ground for the community to hang out, and considering the upcoming upgrades, friends and I will definitely be paying it a visit soon.”
While vaccinated locals are now entitled to enjoy the grounds, Blackbutt’s wildlife enclosures will remain closed until restrictions ease further.
Maia O’Connor