Byron mayor Michael Lyon wants to shut down filming of Love Island after Covid-19 lockdown as locals demand ITV pays up

Byron Bay locals thrown into lockdown after a reality show crew member allegedly breached Covid rules have launched a bold plan to be paid for their trouble.

Byron Bay residents outraged at being plunged into a seven-day lockdown are urging businesses to invoice production company ITV for their lost wages in a sassy retaliation.

A crew member working on the set of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Outta Here, produced by ITV, allegedly broke health orders in the region while infected with Covid-19, sparking a snap return to restrictions for Byron Bay, the Tweed Shire and Kempsey.

Police allege the 31-year-old Sydneysider breached the terms of her authorised worker permit to attend several venues, including a pub, and failed to check in with a QR code on multiple occasions.

The woman’s alleged actions have sparked fury across Byron Bay, with Mayor Michael Lyon moving to try and block ITV’s next show, Love Island, from filming in the area, and residents calling for harsher penalties for the company.

On Thursday, Byron local and filmmaker Tess Hall issued a call to arms titled, “I’m a resident, get my bills paid”.

Byron locals are calling for ITV to pay their bills after a show produced by the company was linked to a Covid breach that caused a snap lockdown.

“Has your business been shut down because ITV Studios Australia brought COVID to Tweed and Byron?” her message read.

“Do you think it is an absolute disgrace that a (film crew member) from Sydney allegedly went to the pub and partied with other crew members and now you cannot trade and are in lockdown?

“Do you think it is only fair that ITV Studios Australia covers the cost to your business and to our community? Then this is the form for you.”

The form invites residents to estimate their losses, submit a tax invoice - with a pre-filled version available - and leave a message for Nicolas Melville, Head of Legal and Business Affairs at ITV Studios Australia.

Ms Hall said: “If you’re in a position to bring people from Sydney to the region, you have a responsibility and I don't think that responsibility has been taken seriously.”

The sassy move comes just one day after Mayor Michael Lyon declared his intention to revoke council’s letter of support for the upcoming season of Love Island to be filmed in the area.

Byron Mayor Michael Lyon is fighting to stop ITV from bringing a second reality show to the region

He told NCA NewsWire that position had not changed.

“I’m disappointed that because of a lockdown, food will get thrown out and casual workers will lose hours,” Mr Lyon said.

Final approval for filming for longer than 30 days needs the approval of NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has previously said it would not allow filming if it did not have support of council.

Love Island, which is hosted by Sophie Monk, was estimated to pump $5 million into the Byron economy.

The show’s set is a mansion in the hinterland area of Federal – 25 minutes west of Byron Bay – which has been under construction for the past month.

It was due to begin filming this weekend and the first episode was set to air on October 4.

ITV Studios Australia said it was disappointed and sympathetic to the impact the Covid-19 infection had on the region.

“Any casual or close contacts of the crew member were isolated and immediately tested,” the company said.

“All rapid and PCR testing undertaken on any crew has returned a negative result. Close contacts will continue to complete a 14-day isolation and rigorous testing will continue.”

The company said its crew member was not involved in Love Island Australia in any way, and ITV was still forging ahead with the production.

Wategos Beach at the popular northern NSW area Byron Bay.

Originally published as Byron mayor Michael Lyon wants to shut down filming of Love Island after Covid-19 lockdown as locals demand ITV pays up