Wellington wins in division 12

THE Noosa de-amalgamation push looks to have have cost Division 12 councillor Lew Brennan his seat.

Tony Wellington took an early lead, eventually pipping Cr Brennan in Division 12.

After three booths were counted, Wellington increased his lead with 59.96% (656 votes) and Brennan with 40.04% (438 votes).

As the night wore on, Wellington increased his lead until nine of 14 booths were counted, including Tewantin, Cooroy and Pomona, leaving him safe to claim victory.

"I'd been nervous all along until the Tewantin results came through and then it was pretty clear sailing from there," Mr Wellington said.

"Cooroy was neck and neck, Tewantin was a landslide and then we have finally just got through Pomona, which I won quite comfortably. I'm quite pleased."

Mr Wellington said votes cast at the Christian Outreach polling booth and pre-poll votes would be counted today but it was "clear I've been victorious".

"It's never easy to unseat someone who's already sitting," Mr Wellington said.

"I have to be pleased with the fact I've been able to do that. I want to thank Lew Brennan for many years in council. He's been a councillor for a good long time. It can't be easy to find that come to a sudden halt. I want to congratulate him for his work over the years."

Cr Brennan said he would not comment on the results.