FAIRFAX Media has announced it will close its Ormiston print site after entering into an agreement with News Corp Australia.
The company will also put its 4.8ha Ormiston property on the market and find new business premises in the Redlands.
There will be no changes to the availability of Fairfax newspapers including the Redland City Bulletin as a result of the new printing arrangements.
It is understood that the changes at the print site will affect about 50 employees.
Fairfax Media chief executive officer Greg Hywood announced on Wednesday the new printing arrangements would make newspaper production more efficient for both publishers.
“These are landmark initiatives,” Mr Hywood said.
“They demonstrate a rational approach to the complex issues facing the industry.”
“Better utilisation of existing print assets makes sense and will deliver economic benefits to Fairfax Media.”
Mr Hywood said the arrangements would enable the company to produce newspapers well into the future.
News Corp will provide a range of printing services for Fairfax in New South Wales and Queensland. Fairfax will print publications for News Corp at North Richmond.
Redlands MP Kim Richards said she was disappointed to hear of the closure of the Ormiston printing site.
“This is a sad day for Redlands and the staff,” she said.
“The original Bayside Bulletin that merged with Redland Times was first published on the site in August 1984.
“Over 30 years of printing operations on site are coming to an end.
“I stand with the 50 workers and their families whose livelihoods are at risk by this shock announcement.
Ms Richards said she would write to Mr Hywood to request a meeting to discuss the future of the workers.
