Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has announced she will not be seeking re-election, paving the way for a new leader to take charge of Hobart’s local government. This decision comes as several current councillors express their ambition to fill the vacancy, with a focus on mending a council atmosphere that has been described by some as “toxic.” Local government elections in Tasmania are scheduled for October.
Hobart City Council meetings have frequently made headlines for contentious reasons, ranging from disputes over snacks to personal conflicts among members. As the city gears up for a new council election, it stands on the brink of significant change.
After eight years at the helm, Lord Mayor Reynolds has confirmed she will step down, coinciding with a reduction in the council’s size from 12 to 9 elected members. Under her leadership, the council has initiated several key projects aimed at addressing issues like short-stay accommodation and promoting medium-density development. Additionally, the council has made strides in establishing major cycling lanes throughout Hobart’s central business district, advancing plans for a transport hub at the base of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and supporting the expansion of the River Derwent ferry services.
The race to succeed Reynolds is heating up, with numerous councillors already declaring their intentions and vowing to restore a sense of cohesion to the council. Speaking to ABC Hobart, Reynolds emphasized her aim to foster a council that embodies innovation, ambition, and modernity. She acknowledged the challenges of satisfying everyone but asserted her commitment to her principles and valuing sound counsel.
As the election approaches, Reynolds expressed the need for dedicated individuals to step forward and engage in the electoral process. “I’ll share more about the political atmosphere closer to my departure, but it’s vital that people recognize the importance of our democracy and participate actively,” she stated.
While candidates have yet to finalize their bids, at least three sitting councillors have confirmed their intention to run for the lord mayor position. One councillor, who previously came closest to Reynolds in the last election, mentioned receiving numerous calls encouraging him to run but has yet to make a decision. Another councillor is still contemplating their options, while the current deputy lord mayor has announced they will not be entering the race.
The council has experienced significant divisions in recent years, with two unofficial factions often clashing. The larger group tends to lean more progressive, which has sometimes provoked backlash from the smaller, conservative faction. Instances of social media disputes have become common, and some councillors have faced suspensions due to inappropriate conduct.
The newly elected lord mayor will play an essential role in facilitating council meetings and maintaining order within the chamber. Addressing the need for improved relationships among councillors has emerged as a priority for those interested in the lord mayor role. Councillor Kelly remarked on the necessity of a comprehensive overhaul, describing the current atmosphere as “toxic,” while Cr Harvey emphasized that addressing the culture of the council should be a top priority from the outset of the new term.
Cr Posselt advocated for a collaborative approach rather than a combative one, expressing a desire to engage with all councillors to identify shared goals. Ald Bloomfield also highlighted the challenges within the council, stressing the impact of inappropriate remarks and personal attacks on the working environment.
As the election draws nearer, it remains uncertain whether any future lord mayor will effectively bridge the existing divides among councillors. Additionally, the state government has announced a reduction in the overall number of local government councillors from 263 to 213, affecting Hobart City Council’s composition as well, which will see its membership decrease from 12 to 9.
