WHILE many votes are yet to be counted, it seems inevitable that Robert Bell will retain his place on council and become the region's second popularly elected mayor.
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At the time of writing he held more than 47 per cent of first preference votes in his ward, and was more than 1000 votes ahead in the race for the top job.
Cr Bell said while he was trying not to celebrate too early, he was ecstatic with the support he had received so far.
"It's been a pleasing result to date, I'm a little nervous to celebrate too early but it's giving me great confidence," he said.
"I'm starting to prepare for what I need to work through once it [the mayoral vote] is declared."
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Long-time councillor and former mayor Isabel Strutt was sitting just two votes ahead of Bruce McMullen in fourth spot for Ward A, while Natasha Ledger was at seventh in Ward B.
Only four councillors can be selected from each ward.
There was already change on the horizon with former mayor Michael Pearce retiring, along with Mark Dusting and Levi Sampson.
Bob Crouch, Tom O'Connor and Tara Toomey look likely to keep their seats and Tim Bower and Tracey Nagle also appear set to be elected.
Cr Bell said he was impressed by the calibre of candidates and is looking forward to working with whoever is elected.
"Strong, professional people with great experience and are well qualified will slip into the role really quickly, so I'm looking forward to being part of a really strong team," he said.
"Even from the nomination point of view we've had great people at least put their hand up and say 'there's not point complaining if we're not willing to do something about it'. He said capitalising on the Renewable Energy Zone and balancing the budget will be priorities.
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