Locals angered as filming gets underway at Tallebudgera Creek amid lockdown

Gold Coasters have been left angered after learning a television show has been given the all-clear to film on a popular beach, while thousands have been forced into lockdown. SEE THE VIDEO >>>

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THE filming of a television series at a Gold Coast beach will continue, despite the rest of the city in hard lockdown.

Frustrated residents complained to the Bulletin on Wednesday on why the project was allowed to be filmed at Tallebudgera Creek while thousands of small business owners cop the brunt of Queensland’s strictest lockdown yet.

When approached by the Bulletin, a production worker confirmed the Fremantle Media project – a Nickelodeon kids show set to premier in coming months – had been given the all-clear by Gold Coast City Council to film at Burleigh Heads National Park.

Permits and Covid safe plans detailing the project were also presented upon request.

While Coasters have previously welcomed similar projects, dozens appeared angered when told by workers that they were temporarily unable to access a pathway near Echo Beach due to filming. 

Filming underway at Tallebudgera Creek for a new television show set to premier on Nickelodeon in coming months. Picture: Kaitlyn Smith

Some members of the public, many of whom were enjoying the permitted daily hour of exercise, opted to turn around while others made clear their frustrations over the production. 

A production worker said they had encountered a number of displeased exercise-goers, but said access to pathways had only been closed for about 15 minutes at one time.

Gold Coast City Council spokesman confirmed a licence had been issued for filming: “All filming approvals are subject to a health advisory note, which states all production activity must adhere to directions issued by the State and Australian Government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Queensland Health doubled down by reiterating that film production was not a restricted activity under the current lockdown directions.

“However, we are urging production companies to limit the number of people who attend film sites to the bare minimum,” a spokesman said.

He added: “Companies must also have in place formal COVID Safe plans including daily processes to ensure film cast and crew wear masks at all times unless they are being filmed, are symptom-free, have not been to an exposure site, and are social distancing.

“Additionally, they must travel directly from their home or accommodation to work and back only - no other movement is permitted.”

Fremantle Media is expected to release a statement on the matter shortly.

Follow @kaitlynsmthnews

Originally published as Locals angered as filming gets underway at Tallebudgera Creek amid lockdown