Sunshine Coast councillors speak out following Natoli marriage breakdown

Sunshine Coast councillors have weighed in on the future dynamic of the council leadership team after Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Councillor Joe Natoli announced their shock separation.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli with her husband Division 4 councillor candidate Joe Natoli.

Sunshine Coast councillors have thrown their support behind the Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Councillor Joe Natoli following the news of their shock separation.

Ms Natoli announced she had separated from her husband and division 4 councillor, Mr Natoli, after 35 years of marriage, earlier his week.

When asked how the separation could affect the broader council, Councillor Terry Landsberg said he did not believe there would be any change.

“I don’t have concerns with this announcement affecting their role as elected representatives of our community,” Mr Landsberg said.

Sunshine Coast councillor Terry Landsberg.

Councillor Ted Hungerford said he felt for Ms and Mr Natoli, and expected the council to continue operating as usual.

“It is a pretty sad thing, 35 years of marriage is a long time, I wish both of them the very best and I’ll continue working with them as usual,” Mr Hungerford said.

“I don’t think it will make a big difference to council, there shouldn’t be any change.”

Councillors Maria Suarez, Taylor Bunnag, Winston Johnston and Christian Dickson declined to comment on the separation, while Jenny Broderick, Tim Burns and David Law did not respond to this publication.

The news of the separation also came as a rift between Mr Natoli and a large community group, Beach Matters, was exposed.

Mr Natoli rejected claims from the group that he had “dropped the ball” in his role as councillor for division 4 since the election in 2024.

The Beach Matters vice-president Paula McGrath said the group had trouble communicating with Mr Natoli over the Mooloolaba foreshore plans, claiming the councillor had “significantly reduced visibility” after the election last year.