Especially as a sign calling for expression of interest for the site, which takes in the former tourist information centre, historic Graham Lodge and of course the “helicopter on a stick” as it is commonly known, has been erected.

It depends who you talk to.

New Shoalhaven Independents [NSI] candidate Graham French took to Facebook questioning what the future holds for the helicopter, while Team Gash says there are no plans to ditch the ‘helicopter on a stick’.

“In a move which will infuriate navy personnel, locals and visitors alike, Nowra's iconic Iroquois helicopter may be about to be given its marching orders,” Mr French said.

“After meeting in secret session, Shoalhaven Council has decided to call expressions of interest for the sale of the old tourist information centre and the adjoining historic Graham Lodge.”

Mr French claims a senior council staffer had confirmed no attempt has been made to ensure the helicopter site remains in public hands,

“A sign on the highway shows the area around the chopper pole is up for grabs,” he said.

“Why the Team Gash controlled council would be so insensitive to the future of such an icon is beyond me.

“Nowra would not be Nowra without its famous helicopter on the pole, as you come off the bridge.

“It’s a stuff up of Census night proportions that council didn’t take resident’s opinions into consideration before they decided to sell the small parcel of land on which the helicopter is located.

“Ironically the move comes just a couple of weeks after Team Gash falsely suggested I wanted to sell off pools and halls.”

Ward One councillor and deputy mayor John Wells refuted the claims saying there were no plans to ditch Nowra’s iconic ‘helicopter on a stick’ as part of the revitalisation of the Shoalhaven River foreshore and gateway to the CBD.

He said expressions of interest had been called for the redevelopment old Nowra Visitors Centre and Graham Lodge site following the announcement last year Shoalhaven City Council would consider selling the location.

“The visitor centre was recently moved to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre to make way for the redevelopment of the riverfront site,” he said.

“It’s part of a vision to create an attractive gateway to the Nowra CBD and to reinvigorate the river front area.

“Council has consulted with the navy about the future of the helicopter if the site is sold.

“If the new owner wants to keep it, the helicopter will stay where it is and be incorporated into the new development.

“If the owner wants it moved, council has agreed to move it to another prominent location after consultation with the community.

“There’s no way it will be ditched or moved out of town.

“Team Watson’s lies needs to be exposed as blatant scaremongering.”

Cr Wells said claims of secret meetings and plans to sell the helicopter, made by candidate Graham French, were “nothing but scaremongering”.

“These plans have been on the table for at 12 to 18 months and are part of the vision to create a riverfront and town gateway that the community can be proud of and that they have been crying out for,” Cr Wells said.

“Council has been in discussions about the property, but the details must remain confidential.

“As for secret meetings, does Frenchy want commercial, in confidence issues aired openly which might prejudice the return the community might expect from the sale?”

Ward One councillor Lynne Kearney said the redevelopment of the site could provide opportunities for facilities such as a four star motel.

“These are the sort of developments we need in Nowra and Team Gash is working hard to try and attract developers to our town and to get the ball rolling,” she said.

“We are being positive and looking to the future, not trying to scare the public.”

Fellow NSI candidate and current councillor Andrew Guile said Gash councillors need to stay away from their “usual weasel words”.

“When there say there is no ‘plan’ to remove the helicopter at the entrance to Nowra; we all know that there was also no ‘plan’ to increase rates by eight per cent,” he said.

“There was no ‘plan’ at community meetings, in media interviews and in council until finally it was announced.

“This announcement is no doubt timed to come after the September 10 election.

“It’s only now that this issue has been raised by Graham French that the Gash councillors are admitting that discussions have happened with navy over its future, yet we have no way of confirming the nature of those discussions, since like everything else the Gash council specialises in, they were no doubt held confidentially.

“There has been no community consultation on this aspect of the asset sale of what is an emblematic feature of Nowra as the regional centre of the Shoalhaven.

“We are a navy town and it is right that residents and visitors alike are reminded of this at the gateway to the CBD.”