Fresh faces in mix for seat at the table

At least four new councillors will take their place in the chambers, claiming seats where long-serving incumbents did not contest.

But some face a “nervous 24 hours” while they await counting to resume to see if their leads are maintained.

Naomi Fowler is on track to replace William OwenJones as the new Division 2 councillor, having secured 72.49 per cent of the vote against Ben Findlay.

“I am thrilled with the early results of the election and feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve as the next Division 2 Councillor,” she said.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my opponent, Ben Findlay, for his campaign.

“It takes a lot to put yourself out there as a candidate, and I have a lot of respect for all who put their hand up across our city. To everyone in Division 2 who voted for me, thank you. I am looking forward to serving with the new Council for the next four years.”

Josh Martin leads Nikki Archer in Palm Beach and Burleigh’s Division 13, having secured 54.89 per cent of the vote so far. However Mr Martin was reluctant to claim victory over outgoing Daphne McDonald.

“It’s early days, with less than half the vote counted, so I am certainly not celebrating at the moment,” he said.

In Division 12, which takes in Mermaid Beach and Miami, Nick Marshall holds a lead with 41.92 per cent of the vote, followed by Cathy Osborne on 30.5 per cent and prominent real estate agent Luke Henderson on 27.58 per cent. Incumbent councillor Pauline Young, who backed Mr Marshall, retired after two terms in office.

Real estate agent and former professional cricketer Dan Doran took a commanding lead over fellow candidate Nic Rone in Robina and Varsity Lakes’ Division 11, which was held by the retiring Hermann Vorster.