The clean sweep comes after a tumultuous term which saw rates rise above the state-government-imposed cap, the sacking of its new chief executive officer in July and a number of investigations into credit card misuse.

Peter Sycopoulis, who was in fifth spot after first-preference votes were counted and declared on Tuesday morning, just missed out on a spot on council.

He polled 813 votes in the election - 48 more than he got at the 2016 election where he also missed out.

He was elected back on to council when he won the by-election in February when former Cr Peter Hulin vacated his position.

After Tuesday's election results were announced he said it had been a good run and "the numbers say it all".

Kylie Gaston, who also turned up to watch the results be announced, said she was very fortunate to have served two terms on council and two "exciting" terms as mayor.

"I wish this incoming council every success working hard for our community," she said.

David Owen, who was also at the voting announcement, said he wished the new council the very best and said he'd be thrilled if they adhered to the council's green plan and 2040 plan, and looked after the community who had voted them in and entrusted them with the job for the next four years.

Former mayor Tony Herbert turned up to congratulate the winners and described the results as "a great outcome".

"I think the people have spoken and I'm really, really happy," he said.

"This looks like a group of seven people, having known them all, that have the potential to really work well together, to respect each other's decision and to continue to work as a group as long as they continue to focus on the city rather than themselves."

The result was the end of an era for Mike Neoh who has spent 16 years on council and five terms as mayor.

He said he was pleased to have been part of developing the city into what has now become Australia's most liveable city - something he says is reflected in the strong house prices.

"This was achieved as a safe seat with successive proactive councils," he said.

Mr Neoh said while councillors would have pet projects, spending would need to be balanced between maintaining services, new projects and asset renewal.

"Council is a continuum - it doesn't stop and start each four years," he said.

He also thanked the "fabulous" community and wished council and the staff all the best.

Warrnambool Ratepayers Association president and former councillor Brian Kelson was at the electoral office to hear the vote and said the people had spoken.

"New councillors in, and old councillors out," he said.

He had called on Warrnambool ratepayers and residents to vote out all seven councillors.