11:47a.m. 19th February 2008

| By Mark Furler

Biggest Loser contestant John Morrall has put his hand up for division 12 in the Sunshine Coast super council race. Picture: Geoff Potter.

Full list of those running for Sunshine Coast council

The Sunshine Coast's own Biggest Loser hopes to be a winner at the March elections after today formally declaring he will run for the council.

But the race for mayor remains a two-horse affair with a mystery woman from Kenilworth reportedly missing out on the close of nominations at midday by 20 minutes.

The furious woman pleaded to be considered but electoral staff insisted she had missed the deadline.

Another to miss out was former mayoral contender Nathan Abbey who missed out getting his nomination in for division eight by three minutes.

John Morrall, who used to the retail advertising manager for the Sunshine Coast Daily and owned the franchise for Harvey Norman in Noosa, has been one of the stars of Ten's Biggest Loser series, despite a heart condition which has prevented him from competing.

While he's sworn to secrecy on his weight loss, new pictures show him to be a much slimmer version of the 150kg John Morrall that went into the show.

Mr Morrall, a married father of two, told the Daily The Biggest Loser had been a life-changing experience for him.

“I’ve always lived my life to the full and I guess my time away from my family has helped me to know more of myself and brought out even more passion for Noosa and the situation we’re all in at the moment.

"I love living in Tewantin and would feel honoured to represent the division if I’m successful on March 15,'' he said.

“So much of life is about giving back, and I hope this is the beginning of the newest chapter. I suppose those who know me won’t be surprised with this nomination. I’ve always had a strong work ethic and a great sense of humour.

"I live an accountable life and like to put my infectious enthusiasm to good work. I’m a leader and this community is in my blood. I think I can provide a strong voice for them in the new regional council”.

Mr Morrall believes the main things people in Noosa want to see protected are their current lifestyle and unique environment – and this is a common thread from the hinterland to the river.

“I’m in this for the long haul”, said John, “Voters in Division 12 will need someone who is going to put their dreams and concerns into action and I think I’m the person to do it. If elected, the one thing I can assure everyone of is that the new regional council will know I’m there...''

Natoli to launch his campaign tonight

Maroochy mayor Joe Natoli will launch his campaign in front of about 200 supporters tonight, just hours after nominations closed for the Sunshine Coast super council.

Nominations for first combined council closed at midday with Queensland Electoral Commission's returning officer to draw the ballot order for candidates at 2.30pm in Nambour. There will be updates on this site as information comes to hand this afternoon.

To date, Bob Abbot and Joe Natoli remain the only contenders for the top job with former Labor Member for Kawana Chris Cummins ruling out challenging them, saying he did not have the resources to do so.

Former Labor Noosa MP Cate Molloy is among the latest to declare she will run, for division 9, together with Bruce Dunne and Vivien Griffin, while another candidate who was considering running against Tom Hulett and Christian Dickson has signalled he will not be running.

However, thedaily.com.au understands that the former wife of Maroochy councillor Bruce Dunne, Eve Landers, has put her hand up for division six along with businesswoman Lucretia Wheeler, who ran for mayor in 2004 .

Ms Landers was among those lining up to run for division 8 after it was vacated by Steve Dickson, when he won his state seat of Kawana.

Today, Tom Hulett welcomed the nominations 'most sincerely', saying it would allow the 'games to stop and the genuine election campaigning to begin''.

Mr Hulett, a controversial blogger on thedaily.com.au, said he would be keeping a lower profile online and getting on with the business of doorknocking and campaigning to win the seat.

Mr Hulett said he had budgeted $25,000 for the campaign, from family sources, but admitted he would 'probably blow that'. He confirmed he also had outside offers of funding.

Others to announce they are throwing their hat in the ring include Caloundra businessman and former club captain of Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC Michael Costigan.

Mr Costigan, a Caloundra resident for 37 years and in business and community groups for 30 years, promised to campaign for sustainable housing, better transport, the preservation of caravan parks and facilities like ten pin bowling alleys and limits on high rise development.

In the mayoral race, thedaily.com.au understands that polling being carried out had shown Bob Abbot well ahead of Mr Natoli but recent polling has indicated the Maroochy mayor could be closing the gap.

Mr Natoli said he would be making a major policy announcement at his launch tonight.

Local radio personality Caroline Hutchinson, who took on Peter Slipper as an independent at the Federal election, will be the master of ceremonies for the night.

Mr Natoli said he would be urging the community to “unite for the future" by voting for him on March 15.

He said while there has been plenty of interest in environmental issues for the region, he had also developed policies that reveal an equal commitment to other important issues.

"I’m thinking for tomorrow. My vision for the new Sunshine Coast regional Council includes strong leadership for a new organisation, strategies to manage growth and development, wins for the environment which ultimately provide wins for the community, strategies for safe streets, affordability, our youth, community engagement and funding,” Mr Natoli said.

“In regards to ensuring we plan for a sustainable region, I believe we have to respect and appreciate the many different and diverse communities which create a unique mosaic of settlement patterns throughout the Sunshine Coast. We must keep our communities unique,” he said.

Guests at the launch include community and business leaders from across the Sunshine Coast region, community group representatives, friends and neighbours.

With a focus on “loving where we live”, the launch kicks off at 6pm at the Lake Kawana Community Centre, with MC and local Radio Presenter, Caroline Hutchinson, formally welcoming guests at 6:30pm.

Official proceedings during the launch include a formal Welcome to Country by local Aboriginal Elder, Anthony Beezley; an Opening Prayer by Pastor Benny Tan of the History Maker Church; and Mr Natoli’s vision for the new regional Council and his policy announcement.