Election latest: Councillors who are all but locked in

Sunshine Coast Council will have new representatives with several divisions decided, but some still hang in the balance. See every councillor who's locked in.

Early voting has opened for the Sunshine Coast Council elections.

COUNCIL candidates will remain on tenterhooks in several Sunshine Coast divisions with some results still on a knife's edge.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland surprised many with preferential votes being counted over the Easter weekend after two weeks of a stalled process.

Mayor Mark Jamieson remains in the lead, and though he has not declared victory, the second-runner Chris Thompson conceded defeat on election night.

Some divisions were decided prior to the break with Rick Baberowski, Peter Cox, Ted Hungerford and Christian Dickson all favoured to retain their seats.

MORE LOCAL ELECTION COVERAGE HERE

Incumbent Division 8 councillor Jason O'Pray fended off a valiant effort from his sole challenger Kathryn Hyman to retain his seat by a narrow margin.

While the result is not officially declared, Mr O'Pray said he was on the cusp of celebrations.

"We found out on Thursday we'd won, but it's not officially declared yet," Mr O'Pray said.

He said the wait had been painful but understood why given the current coronavirus climate. Former Maroochy Shire mayor Joe Natoli claimed an upset victory over John Connolly for the blue chip Division 4 seat.

"It's official. I look forward to serving you for the next four years in Division 4. Thank you for your support," Mr Notoli said.

Mr Connolly said he expected official results to be declared on Wednesday.

"There's a number of seats not decided where preferences will play the part," Mr Connolly said.

"Divisions 5, 9 and 10 will be very interesting."

In Division 2, the seat of the Caloundra region held by deputy mayor Tim Dwyer, is likely to be housed by businessman Terry Lansberg.

While Mr Landsberg said he was "happy" he said it was ultimately too close to call.

Winston Johnston will go neck and neck with Tracy Burton to decide Division 5, Darren Edwards and Maria Suarez battling for Division 9.

Independent candidate David Law appears to have secured Division 10.

Power cuts homes, but no rain damage

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