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Love Island halts building works

Updated: Nine reality series pauses building in Federal as ITV Studios implements COVID-safe plan.

Earlier:

Building works on Love Island has halted in Federal, west of Byron Bay, due to non-compliance with local Council regulations.

Byron Shire Council has placed a stop-work order on earthworks being carried out on a property being transformed as the Love Island Villa.

Mayor Michael Lyon told ABC the production had applied for permission to film in the shire but had gone ahead with the earthworks before it had not submitted a COVID safety plan or any details of the travel plans of cast & crew.

An ITV Studios spokesperson told TV Tonight, “The production had gone ahead with some early works. As soon as we were advised that the works were actually non-compliant, we stopped. ITV has apologised to Council and is taking steps to rectify the mistake.”

The series was originally announced for the Gold Coast, but set its sights on Port Douglas before having to shift to Federal due to border restrictions.

Producers are finalising COVID-safe plans while casting is also being finalised.

Updated:

ITV Studios Australia statement:

ITV Studios Australia has implemented a comprehensive CovidSAFE plan to ensure the safety of the community and the cast and crew before and during the filming of Love Island Australia.

The production CovidSAFE protocols are consistent with the NSW Public Health Order and advice from Screen NSW.

Under NSW Health guidelines work permits are required for all crew travelling to regional New South Wales.

In addition to the mandatory government requirements, we have implemented additional covid protocols.

These include a rigorous covid testing regime for all cast and crew and we have engaged an extensive safety team including covid marshalls.

The show respects the community of Northern NSW and the town of Federal.

We take our CovidSAFE plan incredibly seriously.

We look forward to working with Council to ensure a safe and successful production for everyone involved.

ITV Studios Australia CEO & Managing Director, David Mott, said “As a result of the current COVID-19 situation and fluctuating border restrictions, we have decided to move the filming location of the upcoming third season of Love Island Australia to Federal, northern NSW.

“This decision has been made with the best interests and safety of all cast and crew involved. We have found a brilliant location and can’t wait to get started.”

NSW Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, said, “This global phenomenon was secured thanks to the NSW Government’s Made in NSW fund and will deliver a substantial economic boost to the regional economy, providing a significant amount of work for local businesses, cast and crew.”

Host Sophie Monk added, “In these challenging and trying times I take my hat off to all those people making the upcoming series of Love Island Australia happen. I just can’t wait to meet our new Islanders!”

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