Hobart City Councillor, John Kelly, has announced his intention to run for the city’s top job at the upcoming council election, promising decisive, independent and practical leadership for a city he says “deserves better”.
“Hobart is too important to be held back by inaction. I’m ready to lead it forward,” said Cr Kelly (pictured).
He said the city is at a crossroads, with the decisions made over the next four years likely to shape the city for a generation.
“Hobart has lost its way, and I’m prepared to take responsibility for helping put it back on track.”
Current Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds, announced in June that she will not stand for re-election after eight years in the role.
“The Lord Mayor should be a leader, not just a chair. I’ve been inside the system, I know how Council operates, and I’ve seen what isn’t working. I now want the authority to change it,” said Cr Kelly.
Cr Kelly says Hobart faces significant challenges, including rising costs, traffic congestion, a housing shortage, excessive bureaucracy and declining public confidence in local government.
“Ratepayers deserve better value for money,” he said.
“We need a Council that concentrates on delivering essential services efficiently, reducing unnecessary red tape and creating an environment where people want to invest, build businesses and live.”
Mr Kelly said he believes light rail must be central to Hobart’s transport future, arguing that the city’s public transport capacity has failed to keep pace with population growth and increasing visitor numbers since passenger rail services ended in 1978.
“Hobart cannot continue trying to solve congestion simply by putting more cars onto the same roads,” he said.
“Light rail provides an opportunity to rethink how people move around our city and unlock its future potential.”
He says restoring public confidence in Hobart City Council will be one of his priorities.
“Council needs to rebuild trust through integrity, accountability, transparency and respect,” he said.
“Politics and ideology should never come before the interests of the community.”
He is also proposing a more open and streamlined governance structure, promising greater communication between elected members and the community.
“I would meet regularly with all elected members and operate an open-door approach,” Mr Kelly said.
“There will always be disagreements in politics. Good leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone. It is about making the right decisions for the community and having the courage to defend them.”
Cr Kelly has lived and worked in Hobart all his life and has been self-employed for the past 40 years. His business career has included restoring and operating some of Hobart’s iconic heritage buildings, including the State Cinema, Hope & Anchor and Crescent Hotels.
He says that experience, combined with his involvement in community organisations, committees and boards, has given him a strong understanding of both Hobart’s history and its future potential.
“The Lord Mayor must work for the people of Hobart — not for a political faction,” he said.
“We can either stagnate and simply survive, or we can adapt and thrive.
“I believe Hobart deserves better, and I’m prepared to lead the change.”
