Local government election: Ryan Palmer re-elected as mayor as new Port Stephens Council confirmed

The remaining nine council positions will be taken up by independents Peter Kafer, Chris Doohan, Steve Tucker and Glen Dunkley, Labor's Ms Anderson, Jason Wells, Giacomo Arnott and Peter Francis and Liberal Matt Bailey.

Mayor Palmer took to social media on Monday to thank his supporters.

"With the final results now in, I am extremely honoured and truly grateful to the people of Port Stephens for putting your faith in me once again as mayor of Port Stephens," he said.

"We have achieved so much together and with over a 15 per cent increase in first preference votes from last election, the people of Port Stephens have shown they support a progressive and positive council.

"I look forward to working with you all once again."

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Ms Anderson, a first time candidate, was graceful in defeat.

"It has become apparent that I have fallen just short - by a mere 0.59 per cent - in my bid to become mayor," she said.

"I contacted Ryan Palmer to personally congratulate him on his election and to let him know that I'm keen to work with him for the betterment of our community.

"I want to thank the tens of thousands of people who were willing to back me. As a first time candidate, I've genuinely been blown away by the extent of support I've received.

"I'm humbled to have been elected as a councillor for east ward, and I cannot wait to start the work of representing our community on council."

Ms Anderson will be joining her Labor colleagues on the council with the returning Cr Arnott and Mr Francis in west ward and central ward's Mr Wells.

"Contrary to the negative campaign unleashed by others targeting our team, our goal was to return Port Stephens Council to our community.

"For too long, our council hasn't been putting the interests of our community first. Given the tight race for mayor, it's clear that locals are fed up. Almost half of the people of Port Stephens did not vote for Ryan Palmer, which should send him a strong message that the status quo isn't good enough - our community wants leaders who will listen, care and act."

Ms Anderson said she was also compelled to express her concern over the lack of female representation on the council.

"Of the 10 council positions nine went to men. I'll be working damn hard to make sure this never happens again."

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