The new Sunshine Coast Council has held its post-election meeting, with Councillor Maria Suarez to serve as the region’s new deputy mayor.
Cr Suarez, who will serve under new mayor Rosanna Natoli, 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,” she said at yesterday’s meeting.
“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.”
In her first official address to a council meeting, Cr Natoli said council had an opportunity to create “a better place for us all”.
She paid tribute to her family and 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,’’ Cr Natoli 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.”
Cr 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 promise to be open and accountable, available, accessible. Most of all, I promise to listen,” she said.
“This is an exciting time in our region’s story. We are facing enormous growth, which brings challenges, but also tremendous opportunities, the chance to make the Sunshine Coast a better place for us all, and for future generations.
“These are the pledges I make to you today. I will work every day to represent our community. I will always do my best to serve you and put the people of the Sunshine Coast first.
“I look forward to working with council officers, executive and my fellow councillors to make this a reality.”
Also at the meeting, Cr Natoli was appointed as chairperson of the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group, with Cr Suarez appointed deputy chairperson.
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.
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