Deputy mayor and Division 4 councillor Laurie Koranski has announced she will not recontest her seat at the upcoming election.
“Having committed eight years to local government, I’ve made the decision not to contest,” Cr Koranski said in a tearful speech at an ordinary council meeting on Wednesday (24 January) morning.
“After careful consideration, I believe it’s time for me to explore new opportunities.”
The announcement comes after months of speculation as to whether she would retire from council or run for mayor.
Cr Koranski is the only sitting councillor – besides Cr Jon Raven, who will run for mayor – who will not be recontesting at the next election.
“I thank you for placing your trust in me not once, but twice, and allowing me to be your voice in council,” she said to her electorate.
“Working with you has been a tremendous privillege.”
She said her highlights as councillor included hosting the Logan Village summit and contributing to the identity of the growing Yarabilba community.
“I particular enjoyed rolling up my sleeves and working with local residents… on environmental projects,” Cr Koranski said.
“Working along our shcools, our sporting groups, and our cultural groups has been my greatest joy and has fed me and kept me sustained.”
Cr Koranski was first elected to council in 2016, and was one of the few councillors to survive the previous council’s corruption charges.
“Reflecting on my first election… there wasn’t a single CCTV camera in division 4 – not there are 31,” she said.
“Serving as our city’s deputy mayor, and the city lifestyle chair, this term has been very gratifying for me.
“Both roles have exposed me to the broader City of Logan and I’ve really been reaffirmed that Logan has community spirit second to none.”
She thanked her family, including her husband who gave her the space to “pursue my passion”.
“Thank you for the sacrifices you have made to support me in my journey,” Cr Koranski said.
“To my children… 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.”
Cr Koranski confirmed she would complete her term as councillor, and as deputy mayor.
“Then, I’m going to shift my attention to finishing my masters in business psychology degree, spending more time with my family, and heaps of travelling,” she said.
“And after that, who knows – watch this space.”
Mayor Darren Power said Cr Koranski would be “sorely missed”.
“Your first four years, you were in the trenches with me, Cr Raven and Cr Bradley, and it was a tough four years,” Cr Power said, referring to the sacking of the former council.
“To get through that… you did an amazing job.”
He said Cr Koranski had done an “amazing job” in her roles in council.
“Of course, your friendship will be missed as well,” Cr Power said.
“I hope life is all sunshine and lollipops from here on in, because you deserve that.”
Division 4 includes the suburbs of Bannockburn, Belivah, Buccan, Cedar Creek, Kairabah, Waterford, Windaroo, Wolffdene and Yarrabilba, as well as part of Bethania, Logan Village and Tamborine.
