The Sunshine Coast faced an “exciting time in its story’’, where Council had an opportunity to create “a better place for us all”, the region’s new Mayor said in her first official address to a Council meeting.

At the post-election meeting of Sunshine Coast Council on Thursday (April 11) Mayor Rosanna Natoli vowed to always put the community first.

Mayor Natoli paid tribute to her family and many supporters and outlined the type of leader she would be.

“I’m passionate, determined, hard-working and strong and I fight for what I believe in,’’ the Mayor said.

“I’m just so proud to be here today as your Mayor.

“I have been entrenched in the community for more than three decades and it’s an enormous privilege to serve.”

Mayor Natoli promised to work with fellow councillors and the region’s state and federal members “to secure the infrastructure the Sunshine Coast so desperately needs”.

“I look forward to working with Council officers, executive and my fellow councillors to make this a reality.”

New Deputy Mayor appointed

Council also determined at the post-election meeting that Councillor Maria Suarez would serve as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Suarez represents Division Nine and gained experience in the previous Council where her areas of interest included Environment, Liveability and Community and Economic Development.

The newly appointed Deputy Mayor thanked her fellow councillors for supporting her nomination.

“I’d like to recognise the vast experience and leadership of all the councillors in this room.

“I put myself forward because I would like to see Mayor Natoli be successful, because if Mayor Natoli is successful, we are all successful and our community will benefit.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Mayor Natoli and fellow councillors for the benefit of the region.”

Also at the meeting, Mayor Natoli was appointed as Chairperson of the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group, with Deputy Mayor Suarez appointed Deputy Chairperson. 

Council plays a critical leadership role in local disaster management arrangements. This is a core responsibility of Council and is consistent with its stewardship of the wellbeing of the region and its residents in the event of a disaster.   

The date for the first Ordinary Meeting of the new Council has been set and will be held at 9am on Wednesday, April 24.

All meetings will continue to be livestreamed via Council’s website and open to public attendance.