Council called for expressions of interest (EOI) for the site, which takes in the former tourist information centre, historic Graham Lodge and the iconic Iroquois helicopter that greets you as you come off the Shoalhaven River bridge travelling south, last August.

The sale of the land is part of council’s redevelopment of the riverfront site, with the visitor centre moving to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, in August last year.

Council’s director Assets and Works Ben Stewart said staff was part way through the EIO interest process.

“We should have a report to council by the end of February in regards to the evaluation process on the property,” he said.

Mr Stewart  said council had received six expressions of interest over the 8122 square metre Pleasant Way property, which has three road frontages.

It is understood three have been shortlisted.

“Some met the objectives set out for the site by council, sharing the aspiration for a gateway development at the site and the ability to deliver council’s vision,” he said.

“And for the site to be developed within a suitable timeframe.”

The location is zoned for a number of options but Mr Stewart said consideration also had to be given to the future of the navy helicopter and the heritage listed Graham Lodge.

“Part of the EOI was the proponent’s to provide advice on how they are going to cater for the immediate surroundings of the building itself in accordance with the heritage requirements, noting there is currently a conservation management plan for Graham Lodge, which was made available to all interested parties,” he said.

Controversy erupted at the time the EOI went on display with questions of what would happen to the iconic “helicopter on a stick” as it is commonly known, if the site was sold and developed.

In October last year council passed a motion the sale exclude the land on which the helicopter was located plus a reasonable curtilage and provision be made for the protection of Graham Lodge.

A South Coast Register poll at the time whether the helicopter should remain on the site showed overwhelming support for the aircraft to stay in its current location.

Close to 300 readers responded with 90 per cent, or 271, saying it should remain in place.