UPDATE 10.03PM: INCUMBENT Deputy Mayor David Batt looks set to hold his seat in Division 8 with a strong lead over Tracey Jackson with 47.07% of the votes counted.

Mr Batt has secured 67.90% of the votes compared to Ms Jackson's 32.10% and said he was starting to relax a little bit after seeing the numbers.

"I'm a bit more relaxed, it's a good start," he said.

"I'm happy to see that people voting can see the effort I've put in over the last eight years and at this stage it look as though they've put me back in for another four.

"It was a big decision I made eight years ago the leave the police force after 23 years and help people in another way and I really love what I do."

With another former police officer in Jack Dempsey looking like he's good the mayor's position in the bag, it will be a reunion on two fronts for the pair.

"I'd be happy to see Jack in; we worked together in the police force and also had a good working relationship when he was at the state government."

UPDATE 8.18PM: David Batt is in the lead spot for Division 8 with 67.71% after the first booth of 12 counted.

Tracey Jackson is currently at 32.29%.

Candidates in Division 8 - David Batt and Tracey Jackson

David Batt

David Batt said he was unopposed last election along with four other council candidates. 

He said it would be a wait and see game as to how things panned out this year. 

"It's difficult to tell at this stage," Cr Batt said. 

"In 2008 we saw results by around 10.30pm and we'll keep a close eye online tonight."

Cr Batt said there was constant traffic at the voting booth today and he hoped for a good result. 

Tracey Jackson 

Tracey Jackson has not responded to the NewsMail call.