YOU would assume that Bill Ludwig would have had his first good night's sleep in months after Saturday's ballot for de-amalgamation, but the former Livingstone Shire Mayor said that was quite the opposite.

After celebrating with his supporters until 1am, Cr Ludwig was awake at 4am, his mind alert with thoughts of the day's events.

He was sure he'd be out like a light by 6pm last night though.

It's been a long, hard fight for the independence the former Livingstone Shire residents felt they deserved.

And it all paid off - the Yes vote won with 57% of the ballot.

"I was so proud of my community," Cr Ludwig said.

"It will be an opportunity to re-shape our future through a positive partnership with two more effective and efficient councils working together for the benefit of our respective communities.

"Our region's strength has always been in our diversity.

"Our unity will continue to come from our collective capacity and willingness to work together for common goals.

"I am more confident that can be achieved as we all move forward.

"For Livingstone residents it will also be an opportunity to restore what was taken away, and start putting in place our plans for what will surely be a positive and dynamic future."

Cr Ludwig said the future looked bright for the soon to be reinstated shire.

"We have growth, a sound financial position, and great opportunities with major developments like GKI to generate wealth and move both the Capricorn Coast and the region forward," he said.

"To those who voted NO on the basis of what can only be described as a shameful 'scare' campaign I will give this assurance.

"If I am given the honour of again serving our community on the new council, your rates will not go up by any more than will be required for that council to effectively and efficiently operate."