It was a close race to re-election with the outcome unknown until the last days of counting.

Mayor Palmer said it is an honour to have been re-elected to lead the Port Stephens community for the next two and a half years.

“The voting was close but I want to reassure the Port Stephens community that I’m committed to focusing on what matters most to our residents and businesses,” Mayor Palmer said.

“This year we’ve been listening to our community about what they value most in the places they live, work and invest. We’ve been listening so we can take action to enhance and protect what’s most important.

“We know our community want to see action, not plans that sit on a shelf. My focus is to drive the actions the community are looking for and to continue implementing our Place Plans.

“I’m excited to lead improvement in the liveability and wellbeing of the Port Stephens community, putting people and places first.” he said.

Counting was finalised on Thursday for the rest of the Council, with Peter Kafer and Peter Francis joining returning Councillor Giacomo Arnott in the West Ward, Jason Wells completing Central Ward with Councillors Steve Tucker and Chris Doohan, and returning Councillor Glen Dunkley being joined by Matthew Bailey and Leah Anderson in the East Ward.

Mayor Palmer and the new Council will be sworn in at the first meeting of Council on Tuesday 11 January 2022.