MAYOR Teresa Harding is set to be returned for a second term with an increased primary vote but faces a very different council with half of the chamber likely to be replaced.

With the preliminary counts continuing as the Moreton Border News went to press, the highest polling councillors were Cr Harding’s opponents Jacob Madsen, Paul Tully and Nicole Jonic.

Former Labor State Member Jim Madden was polling the highest of all candidates and is likely to be one of two new councillors in Division 4.

Incumbent Division 4 councillor, Russell Milligan was trailing in third place with Labor-aligned David Cullen in the second spot.

Labor-aligned Pye Augustine was in front of Simon Ingram by one percent in a knife-edged battle for the second councillor spot in Division 1.

Division 3 was a tight contest with incumbent Marnie Doyle slightly ahead of former mayor Andrew Antoniolli and incumbent Andrew Fechner.

The LNP-aligned Mayor Harding claimed the mayoralty on Saturday night.

With 76 percent of votes counted Cr Harding won more than 45 percent of the vote.

Her nearest rival was former councillor David Martin with 32 percent of the vote.

Sheila Ireland was at 11 percent of the vote and Peter Robinson was at 7 percent.

Cr Harding said the result was a stronger primary vote for her than she achieved in 2020.

“Seeing such a definitive result from the people of Ipswich is quite humbling, and makes me even more committed to continue to be a strong champion for our city and its residents,” Cr Harding said.

“Of course, you do receive a lot of feedback during an election campaign and I will certainly be putting this feedback into practice.

“There is no doubt that residents want to see more of their Councillors out in the community and hear more from council on key issues.

“I truly thank the people of Ipswich for their support and will continue to serve residents with honesty, integrity and transparency.”