Preliminary results for the City of Launceston council were released about midnight on Tuesday.
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Candidates vote count did not change throughout the day, however there was a lot of action with the mayor and deputy mayor position.
Mayor
Albert van Zetten has retained his spot at head of the City of Launceston council table. He received more than 51 per cent of the first preference votes.
“Obviously I was patiently waiting to see the outcome, but I’m happy to accept the verdict of the people. It’s something that we’ve had to wait for. It was a long day and a bit,” he said. “I’m pleased and realising the responsibility that is there and looking forward to the work that still needs to be done.”
He said ensuring the council gets the money for the UTAS move, fixing the Tamar River and continuing the City Heart Project were some of his main priorities.
“There are so many projects on the go and we have to make sure they happen and I’m excited to be involved with them,” he said.
Janie Finlay was closely defeated, but said she was “seriously proud” of her campaign and herself.
“Although I would have loved it to be different I think I’ve delivered a really fantastic campaign and had lots of support across the community and from family and friends, who I’d love to thank,” she said.
“I’ve always been a great contributor in council and being mayor would have been really exciting to go forward over the next four years, but whatever team is put together I’ll still be a part of it.”
More than 11,488 people gave Alderman van Zetten their first vote, with Alderman Finlay receiving about 10,682.
Deputy mayor
Alderman Danny Gibson was elected deputy mayor of City of Launceston council.
Alderman Gibson comfortably had the lead for most of the day until early afternoon. At one stage just 1 per cent separated him and Andrea Dawkins.
He was “absolutely thrilled” with the win.
“Particularly given the tight tussle at the end and expected that it could have gone any way,” he said.
“But, feeling thrilled and very excited at the opportunity to work with the other people around the table and making a good contribution to our wonderful city.”
He aims to continue to bring a positive voice to the table, to advocate for those less represented around the table, continuing to embrace the differences and culture, heritage and tourism. Working with the mayor and other representatives is also high on his to do list.
“I’m looking forward to being part of this new-look Launceston City Council and the new faces at the table and some I didn’t even see coming. I look forward to developing a positive relationship with those around the table.”
Andrea Dawkins said she thought Mr Gibson was the right man for the job.
“I really think we need more progressive voices and I applaud all of the work that Danny has done and really look forward to work with him,” she said.
Candidates
Results for the City of Launceston candidates are still sitting on 20 per cent, with the 50 per cent of vote counts expected to be released on Wednesday.
Simon Wood, Ted Sands, and Karina Stojansek have all lost their spot at the table and have been excluded from the count. The new faces likely to take their spots are Alan Harris, Nick Daking, Andrea Dawkins and Thane Brady. Rob Soward also looks like he will be re-elected, along with Jim Cox, Emma Williams and Robin McKendrick.
Paul Spencer is facing a nervous wait as he is the only candidate yet to be excluded.
Just 20 per cent of the candidate votes have been counted.