Clover Moore says she's confident she'll secure another term as lord mayor of the City of Sydney in Saturday's local government elections.

Millions took to the polls in 128 different councils state-wide.

Some wards have no contests due to the NSW Liberals missing the deadline to nominate close to 140 candidates.

Ms Moore, who has been in the top job for 20 years said she wasn't deterred by the competition.

"People have said that during the campaign that it's time for fresh ideas, we've had a lot of candidate forums and I've been listening for the fresh ideas and quite frankly there haven't been any," the 78-year-old said.

The long-time independent said she was confident she would secure a record sixth term.

"We've honoured all our commitments, I hope I've established trust," she said.

A New South Wales Electoral Commission spokesperson said it expected to officially declare the results from October 1 to 3, with the timing varying between councils.

'The time is right for change'

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, Cr Moore dismissed the notion that it was time for a new leader in the City of Sydney.

"I think the progressive ideas come from our team … and I think that's where you're going to find all your fresh ideas."

The Sydney lord mayor added that her party had a great vision for the city, including Oxford Street.

Cr Moore has faced criticism for Oxford Street and its decline from being a centrepiece of Sydney and its nightlife.

But those also vying to be the leader of the City of Sydney argue it is time for change.

"We need to do better with our affordable housing, for our creative and nightlife, our sector for our young people and for people that are being priced out of the city," Yvonne Weldon told the ABC.

Cr Weldon is an independent council member, and mayoral candidate, of the City of Sydney.

She added that work needs to be done to improve basic services, including rubbish, and better engagement with community.

"It's been really interesting and very heartwarming to see how much people are actually saying that the time is right for change, and I actually feel that I am that change that needs to happen."

Potential new look for historically-Liberal councils

Voters in traditionally Liberal-dominated government areas are facing the prospect of a drastically different local council.

This year's election has been marked by the failure of the NSW Liberal Party to nominate 136 counsellors across 16 different council areas.

The Liberals currently hold six council positions on the Northern Beaches Council, but have just a single candidate running this year due to the nominations bungle. 

Candidate Mandeep "Sunny" said it was "daunting" to be standing as the only Liberal in the Northern Beaches.

"I’m here to stand for my people, my community," he said.

"I really feel good, I'm really confident."

A long-time business owner in the Northern Beaches area, Mr Singh only became a Liberal Party member last year.