Television presenter Rosanna Natoli has won the race to become the Sunshine Coast Council’s next mayor.
Ms Natoli will lead one of Queensland’s largest councils, serving alongside her husband Joe Natoli who has been re-elected as a councillor.
She thanked her supporters and said she was looking forward to serving the residents of the Sunshine Coast.
“This really is an exciting time,” she said.
“I pledge to really make a difference to this community and you will see a new style of leadership.”
Ms Natoli takes over from retiring mayor Mark Jamieson, who served 12 years.
She held on to a narrow lead since polls closed nearly two weeks ago.
The Channel 7 presenter won 27 per cent of the votes, ahead of Ashley Robinson on 24 per cent and Jason O’Pray on 21 per cent.
Ms Natoli will serve alongside councillors Jenny Broderick (division 1), Terry Landsberg (division 2), Tim Burns (division 3), Joe Natoli (division 4), Winston Johnston (division 5), Christian Dickson (division 6) and Maria Suarez (division 9).
Councillor positions in divisions 7, 8 and 10 are too close to call and are yet to be declared.
Ms Natoli is the first female mayor of the amalgamated Sunshine Coast Council, although the former Maroochy Shire Council had a female mayor from 2000-2004.
The incoming mayor has consistently dismissed concerns about any conflict of interest with Mr Natoli also on the council.
As mayor, Ms Natoli will receive an annual salary of $244,886, increasing to $252,233 in July.
She cited infrastructure as one of her top priorities.
Meanwhile in Noosa, Frank Wilkie will be the shire’s next mayor after serving as deputy mayor.
No councillors have been declared there yet.
Glen Hartwig has been returned as Gympie mayor, alongside councillors Nadine Jensen, Warren McEwan, Warren Polley and Gordon Maudsley with four positions still to be declared.