16 counts put four new faces on council

his 2021 run and was excluded on the 14th count.

The result continues the high turnover of councillors, with four new faces to be sworn in later this month.

South Grafton tattoo shop owner Cristie Yager was the surprise packet of the election, topping the poll at her frst attempt.

Both she and incumbent mayor Peter Johnstone achieved the quote of 3184 on frst preference votes.

It took only one more count to get former deputy mayor and Greens candidate Greg Clancy to quota, but process slowed from there.

Former Grafton City

Council general manager Ray Smith was the next to hit the magic number on the ninth count.

On count 11 both incumbent councillor Alison Whaites and Warregah Island farmer Shane Causley were elected.

On count 14 Yamba’s Lynne Cairns and incumbent Debrah Novak achieved their quotas.

The count also represents a change of fortunes for Ms Novak, who achieved her quota on frst preference in 2021.

There were 35,061 ballots counted from a total number of 41,897 people on the rolls. This was a 83.68% turnout.

The vote consisted of

31,834 formal vote and 3,227 informal votes or 9.2% of votes cast.

Councillors will meet to elect a mayor and deputy mayor on October 17.