Jereme Lane

Journalist

The filming location for the much-anticipated reality TV show, Love Island has been changed from Port Douglas to Northern NSW due to Covid-19 border restrictions.

Love Island’s location manager, Karen Jones confirmed the news this afternoon and said that unfortunately there was no other option.

“Unfortunately it’s just not possible for Port Douglas right now. The first staff were due to start arriving very shortly and so a decision had to be made,” Jones said.

“(Show producers) ITV are devastated, the whole crew is devastated, everyone was really excited about coming to Port Douglas, they hand-picked this location because it’s perfect for the show.

Secured by Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, the show produced by ITV Studios Australia was estimated to return $8.6 million to Queensland’s economy and create more than 100 jobs for local crew.

This news has extra sting for the region after the recent border closures around the country have locked out many tourists from Queensland and hit the local Douglas economy hard.

The organisers had planned to use many different venues to accommodate and feed staff as well as various locations for shooting.

“It was going to be a big boost for the local economy, lots of people coming and going during a quieter time of year. Many of the hoteliers and restaurateurs will be disappointed,” Jones said.

Hopefully the romance between Love Island and Port Douglas can be rekindled down the track with Jones saying there is a good possibility that it will go ahead in the future.

“Yes, Port Douglas is now a well-established location for filming and it’s becoming more and more popular every year as a film friendly destination.