9:12p.m. 15th March 2008

| Mark Furler and Jane Gardner

Rosanna Natoli provides a little comfort for husband Joe after a disappointing eletion result. Photo: Chris McCormack

Joe Natoli said he would leave local government with his 'head held high' after helping to turn Maroochy Council around from the financial mess it was in.

An emotional Mr Natoli told thedaily.com.au he was very proud of his 11 years in council and believed there had been many great achievements, including structural and financial reforms, together with environmental projects like the Maroochy River recovery.

"I walk away with my head absolutely held high,'' Mr Natoli said.

He said he had phoned Noosa mayor Bob Abbot to congratulate him on his decisive victory, saying it was clear the people of the Sunshine Coast preferred him as leader.

Mr Natoli, who struggled to get support for key projects in his own council, including a 2025 vision, said Mr Abbot had a clear mandate.

"I hope that his fellows councillors will get 100% behind Bob,'' he said.

"I hope the whole community will now come together under his leadership.''

Mr Natoli said one of the reasons he believed he had been defeated was that he was unable to shake a strong perception that he was pro-development or in the pocket of developers.

He said those who knew him, knew that was not the case but it was a very difficult message to get out.

And he said the poor public perception of Maroochy Council, following the scandals of former mayor Alison Grosse, had meant it was difficult to convey that there had been big improvements under his leadership.

Mr Natoli said he had tried to steer Maroochy toward a more sustainable future with his 2025 vision but could not get the support he needed of key councillors.

"Today the people have clearly shown they want to have that change.''

Mr Natoli said he did not regret asking Bob Abbot about whether he planned to turn the Sunshine Coast into the gay capital of Australia, but said he believed it had been 'blown up'' in the media.

He said it was legitimate question given that much of the campaign was about how the Sunshine Coast may change - whether it would become more like Noosa - or whether Noosa would get high rises and the like.

Mr Natoli said he was not homophobic but believed the Coast should not be promoting itself as a gay mecca - or putting that label on people coming here.

He said the Coast had already developed tourism brands that most people were more 'comfortable' with.

Mr Natoli admitted he was 'tired' when he asked the prepared question on ABC radio but he said: "I don't regret asking the question.''

Mr Natoli said Mr Abbot had run a very good campaign, using some very high profile people, while his campaign managers Iconic Events, had done a good job in ensuring the message remained on track.

He said his biggest problem was in trying to shake the perception he was pro-development and in the pocket of developers. "That perception plays a big part in the final result,'' Mr Natoli said.

Mr Natoli said he had not even thought about what he would do now but would take a few days away with his family to recover from a tough campaign.

“That’s the impossible question to ask at the end of a very arduous election campaign.

“You know, I haven’t even thought about (what I’m going to do). We’ll have a rest tomorrow and I’ll start to worry about that on Monday.

“All of the energy and commitment to our community I had will be focussed on my family now.”

Mr Natoli said he had always believed there was a good chance he could win it.

“We’ve always hoped people would look at my policies, but in the end, I accept this is what people want.

“When you put yourself up for this position it’s all or nothing and only great leaders are prepared to do that and Bob is a great leader.

“There were two good options and people have chosen Bob.”

He said he didn’t think the result would’ve turned out differently had there been more candidates running for the mayoralty.

“No. Bob Abbot has always been a popular mayor.”

Rosanna will now be the breadwinner while her husband contemplates his future.

“I’m still a bit numb – we’ve worked so hard,” she said.

“We need to move on now and focus on our family and we look forward to a new beginning – and sleep and holidays.

“Then I’m back to work and I’ll have a house husband for a while,” she said.

For our election coverage, visit our election '08 page.