WHITSUNDAY'S newest councillor-elect is John Atkinson - new blood untainted by any previous involvement with the council.

The businessman hopes his electoral victory will be enough to return the voice of reason to the council and help end the bitter turmoil that has dogged its operations with infighting over mounting debt and other issues.

The by-election was caused by the shock resignation of Division 2 councillor Kevin Collins in March over his frustration at "integrity issues" in council's decision making process.

By yesterday afternoon the as-yet unofficial result showed Mr Atkinson held a strong lead over his nearest rival and a former long-time mayor Mario Demartini.

Electoral Commission Queensland results are in from seven of nine booths - 56.7 percent of voters - and revealed Mr Atkinson had 35.79 percent of the vote at 732; Mr Demartini 29.39 percent at 601; Jack Lumby 23.52 percent at 481; and Rogin Taylor 11.30 percent at 231.

A Brahman stud owner, Mr Atkinson is known to be decisive and a businessman who has a diverse range of business experiences and interests.

His big concerns include the tens of millions in debt afflicting council operations - "we have to get the bloody debt down, it's one of the biggest problems," and the infighting that has dogged councillors, although he noted this had recently settled down.

Mr Atkinson wants councillors to have a united front, working for the community benefit and to move forward, away from their personal disputes that he says, the Whitsunday business and residential community are sick of.

"I did a lot of door knocking and I thought I had a good chance from what people said to me. Honesty is what they want.

And their big concern was the infighting among councillors," he said.

Jack Lumby said although he was disappointed he wants councillors to get behind Mr Atkinson, who he said was a confident, experienced businessman and bring a fresh perspective.

Rogin Taylor, a former deputy mayor, congratulated Mr Atkinson, saying residents wanted new blood in their council and the other three candidates had previously been involved with the council.

He said residents' apathy was the reason that over 1500 people on the electoral role failed to vote.

"They are sick to death of council and did not want to be involved in the bunfight. I don't blame them at all," he said.

"He is new blood. I think that is the main reason. He (Mr Atkinson) ran a clean campaign. John is a good man and I think he will work well with other councillors."

Mr Demartini could not be contacted.