The real tragedy of compulsory voting is that too many Sunshine Coast voters will go to the polls on Saturday with not a clue as to which division they are in – let alone what their local candidates stand for.

While the Daily has been running a series for more than a week giving information on local candidates, and thedaily.com.au has a comprehensive guide online, too many voters can’t be bothered to find out who’s who in the zoo until after it’s too late.

It’s a pity, because of all levels of government, local councils have the biggest potential to really stuff up your life. In other words, it pays to do your homework.

In the interests of informing residents – and stirring up as many enemies as I can – here’s my form guide to the Sunshine Coast election race.

Mayor: Bob Abbot v Joe Natoli. Bob Abbot is likely to win Saturday’s election based on current polls, but it’s my view that Joe Natoli is being tarred a little too heavily with the developers’ brush by his critics. Both, surrounded by a good team, will make good mayors. If you want a greener Coast, pick Bob. If housing affordability is an issue, Joe might be a better choice.

Division 1: Anna Grosskreutz looks the most impressive to me here, although Steve Attrill, a former Suncorp financial planner, would bring some much-needed business nous to the super-council table.

Division 2: On my reading of it, it should be a pretty close race between high-profile sitting councillor Tim Dwyer and former policeman Ron Strong. Ron has been involved in numerous community and ratepayer groups in recent years, and has certainly lifted his profile.

Division 3: There’s a reasonably strong line-up in this division, with high-profile rugby league dad Danny McGuire (father of Casey) up against sitting councillors Gordon Wallace and Danny O’Kearney, former Labor MP Chris Cummins and impressive green candidate Keryn Jones. My pick would be Keryn, because I think she has youth and enthusiasm on her side.

Division 4: This is likely to be a two-way battle between two reasonably strong councillors – Caloundra’s Andrew Champion and Maroochy’s Chris Thompson. Cr Champion has certainly lost some support in the crucial Buddina area after being a little too pro-development for residents’ liking, while Chris Thompson may struggle to be recognised outside of Maroochy. My pick would have to Champion.

Division 5: Jenny McKay has been one of the true shining lights of local government in the time I have watched her. She has had a passion for her Palmwoods community that started well before she entered the political fray. “Pick and shovel” man Ron Green is certainly one of the more colourful characters running.

Division 6: As the editor of thedaily.com.au, surely I’d have to endorse Tom Hulett just to keep my blog traffic running, wouldn’t I! Tom knows how to stir people up and he certainly made few friends trying to blog his way out of claims he bullied young Christian Dickson.

Division 7: I’ve never been overly impressed by the “intellectual rigour” (as Tom would say) of Ted Hungerford, to be honest, so my choice would have to be between former journalists Lachlan Millar and Ken O’Flaherty. As the founder of the Buderim Chronicle, O’Flaherty knows local issues better than most.

Division 8: This is one of the more interesting divisions, with sitting councillor Tony Northey, now famous for accepting gifts from Lend Lease, up against serial ALP candidate Debbie Blumel and taxi owner/driver Jeff Watson. Out of the three, Watson, who used to work for Maroochy, has been the most impressive for me.

Division 9: Vivien Griffin is probably the stand-out candidate here in terms of media profile, but her decision to quit Noosa Council when she didn’t get her own way won’t go down well with some voters. Ross Duncan, as a business consultant, may be handy on the reform front.

Division 10: Aboriginal elder Anthony Beezley would be my pick here. He’s a big bloke with a big heart, and it would be nice to think the first Sunshine Coast council had someone to represent our original inhabitants.

Division 11: I think former Noosa News journalist Frank Wilkie made a bad mistake in deciding to run in this division, given he’s up against high-profile Noosa councillor Russell Green. Cr Green will be crucial to the new council in planning to ensure a good balance is struck between development and the environment.

Division 12: There’s a good line-up of candidates here, with Brian Lindfield well known for his work in establishing a facility for the disabled at Doonan. Lew Brennan, a former brickie, has had 11 years on Noosa Council, while Biggest Loser contestant John Morrall (no, he’s not as grumpy as he came across in the show) is certainly worth a look.

But don’t take my word for it, check out the candidates for yourself on thedaily.com.au’s election guide and please make an informed decision.

Remember, we’re stuck with these people for four years.