THE make-up of Mildura’s new council is likely to be known before this weekend.
Counting passed the 27,000 mark today, with Jodi Reynolds continuing to hold her spot in the top nine in first preference votes before the allocation of preferences.
Werrimull farmer and first-time candidate Ian Arney appeared on track to gain a quota of first preference votes and gain automatic election, joining long-time former mayor Glenn Milne, who is already at the civic table.
The remaining candidates are likely to rely on preference votes to get them over the line, however Liam Wood (2223 votes), Jason Modica (2155) and Stefano de Pieri (2146) were the most likely candidates deep into the count.
Current councillors Mark Eckel (sixth, 1747 votes) and Helen Healy (eighth, 1570) would be expected to gain enough preferences to hold their seats, while newcomers Cyndi Power (seventh, 1654), Jodi Reynolds (ninth, 1552) and Katie Clements (10th, 1345) will need favourable preferences to join the new-look council.
Troy Bailey (11th, 999 votes), Kym Kingdon (12th, 913), Julie Waters (13th, 888) and Dean Wickham (14th, 863) may have too much ground to make up, while Domenico Capogreco, Gavin Sedgmen, Paul O’Neill and Angy Fikaris appeared unlikely to have the numbers this time around.
The vote tallies at 2pm Wednesday:
1. Glenn MILNE 4735
2. Ian ARNEY 2566
3. Liam WOOD 2223
4. Jason MODICA 2155
5. Stefano DE PIERI 2146
6. Mark ECKEL 1747
7. Cyndi POWER 1654
8. Helen HEALY 1570
9. Jodi REYNOLDS 1552
10. Katie CLEMENTS 1345
11. Troy BAILEY 999
12. Kym KINGDON 913
13. Julie WATERS 888
14. Dean WICKHAM 863
15. Domenico CAPOGRECO 771
16. Gavin SEDGMEN 744
17. Paul O’NEILL 461
18. Angy FIKARIS 388
