Hobart accountant and alderman Louise Bloomfield will run for lord mayor at the October local government elections.
She launched her campaign this week under the slogan: “Let’s create a city with opportunities.”
Bloomfield is pitching herself as a steady hand, promising affordable rates, support for business, safer streets and better city maintenance.
“Hobart should be a city where people can build a business, raise a family, enjoy our arts and culture, move around safely and feel that the city is working for them,” she said.
She said opportunity should be for everyone, not just a few.
“It should be for business owners, workers, families, both older and young people alike, people with disability and vulnerable members of our community who deserve to be included, respected and able to engage well in city life,” she said.
Bloomfield was born in Hobart and runs her own accounting firm, Bloomfield & Associates.
She founded the small business chamber Confederation of Greater Hobart Business in 2021.
She was elected to council in 2022 after two attempts and now chairs its city economy, access advisory and safer Hobart alliance committees.
Bloomfield said her accounting background shaped her approach to council spending.
“Every dollar council spends comes from ratepayers,” she said.
“Council must spend wisely, invest in the basics and make decisions that deliver real value for the community.”
She wants more money spent on roads, footpaths, verges and public spaces.
Bloomfield said she would explore whether there was scope for a rates incentive for residents who help maintain the vegetation outside their homes.
“A good council encourages civic pride,” she said.
“It does not leave people feeling that the basics are being neglected.”
She said accessibility would be central to her campaign.
“For people with disability, older residents, families with prams and vulnerable members of our community, access is not a luxury,” she said.
“It is the difference between being included and being left out.”
Bloomfield framed her bid as one of unity.
“This campaign is about hope, not division,” she said.
The local government elections will be held in October.
