LABOR is on track to dominate Queanbeyan-Palerang council with the party’s third candidate likely to be elected.

Votes are still being counted but it’s looking like Labor’s John Preston from Bungendore will pick up a seat on the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC).

Labor’s Bryce Wilson, and Bigambul woman Esma Livermore have already secured seats on the 11 member council, following the party’s strong showing at the December 4 local government election.

The new look council – which has more female councillors than male councillors – will  include the Liberal’s Louise Burton and Jacqueline Ternouth, Katrina Willis representing the Greens, independent Mareeta Grundy, incumbent councillor Kenrick Winchester, and Edwina Webster – who appeared second on Mr Winchester’s independent ticket.

It’s likely that Steve Taskovski – who headed up the largest of the independent groups in the election – and current Deputy Mayor Michele Biscotti, will fill the remaining two seats on council. Mr Taskovski joins the regional council after a 13-year break from public life. He served for 25 years on the Queanbeyan Council (1983-2008).

Mr Winchester, a member of the Labor Party, who contested the election as an independent, told “CityNews” he will run for the position of Mayor, which will be voted on at council’s first meeting in January.

“I’d like to think I have a chance, even though I’m the youngest, I come with the most experience [on the QPRC] seeing as most of the new councillors are on debut,” Mr Winchester said.

Mr Winchester, 38, who was first elected to council in 2012 described the new-look council as a “welcome refresh”.

“With nine new councillors, six being women, and five men it will be a total refresh, it’s will be really exciting having fresh ideas and fresh ways of doing things,” said Mr Winchester.

All NSW local council election results will be announced on December 20.