In today’s Ordinary Council meeting, division four councillor Laurie Koranski announced that she would not be contesting the next election in March. First elected in 2016, Cr Koranski worked hard to learn her community and what was needed, implementing new initiatives.In May 2019, all Logan councillors were sacked by Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe after eight councillors, including the mayor, were charged by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
The charges were over an alleged plot to force chief executive Sharon Kelsey out of her job and left just four remaining councillors, including Cr Koranski, who had blown the whistle to the CCC.Cr Koranski and the three other councillors also lost their jobs in the fallout, as without a full quorum of councillors they could make no decisions, effectively leaving the council paralysed.Cr Koranski contested the 2020 local election and won her seat back leading to another four years of her working for the people of division four. During her term, Cr Koranski was the Chairperson for the City Lifestyle Committee before stepping back from the role to take on the Deputy Mayor roll for 2023/2024.
“Having committed eight years to local government, I’ve made the decision not to contest the upcoming local government election in March,” said Cr Koranski.“After careful consideration, I believe it’s time for me to explore new opportunities. “So, to the residents, I extend a true heartfelt thanks. I thank you for placing your trust in me, not once, but twice, and allowing me to be your voice to council.“Working with you has been a tremendous privilege and together we’ve achieved some really great outcomes for our community.“Some of the highlights for me include hosting the Logan Village summit back in 2018 and delivering a range of summit outcomes from then until now. “I’ve been really proud to contribute to the identity of the growing Yarrabilba community, and after seven years work, I was really thrilled to see the opening of The Buzz, a centre dedicated to earning and learning. “Working along our schools, our sporting groups and our cultural groups has been my greatest joy, and it has fed me and kept me sustained. “Reflecting on my first election back in 2016, there wasn’t a single CCTV camera in division four, now there are 31, and the list of advocacy projects goes on.From nearly the first day of work for Cr Koranski in 2026, Lucy Reilly has been by her side in what has been a few different roles over the years. “To my councillor advisor Lucy Reilly, thank you Lucy. Lucy began working for me as an ESO right when I was first elected to council, and she showed me the ropes as she’d been here in council longer than I and she knew how things worked. “Later she was elevated to the position of personal assistant and in 2020 when she was the first appointed councillor advisor in Queensland.“I’ve often been caught saying to residents that everyone needs a Lucy, and by that I mean everyone can benefit from being supported by a hard-working, intelligent, enterprising and dedicated individual like Lucy.”Cr Koranski went to thank her family for supporting her through the past eight years. “I want to thank my husband Andrew for giving me the space to pursue my passion, much of who I am as an elected member is thanks to my husband,” said Cr Koranski, fighting back tears. “To my children, now young adults, Alex and Angie, thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement and belief in me.“I know it wasn’t always easy having a mum as an elected member. You are without doubt, my greatest treasure.”Come the end of term in late March, Cr Koranski plans to finish her Master’s in Business Psychology Degree, spending more time with her family and traveling.
