Former mayor John Clarence retired and did not stand for election.

The final vote count was released last night, leaving Mrs Davey with a total of 10,844 votes, ahead of Labor candidate Bob Pynsent by 393 votes.

Greens candidate James Ryan was 3579 votes further behind, and Liberal candidate Dale Troy behind again by 1542.

Mr Pynsent had led after the first count but it was predicted Mrs Davey would easily close the gap because most of Mr Ryan's votes were expected to flow to her due to a preference swap.

"I was the only one who pushed the preferences and it paid off as a strategy," Mrs Davey said.

She said her plans as incoming major included making the council more accessible and accountable to the community and creating better meeting procedures.

"We're going to run a tight ship," she said.

"I've worked hard for council for 25 years and worked hard in this community for 25 years and the hard work has paid off."

Mr Ryan said: "This is an historic moment as Labor's stranglehold on the council is broken.

"It's heartening to know that Green preferences are a major element in electing a new mayor."