The Herald’s publisher Fairfax Media reassured readers the daily print editions of the newspaper would continue to be distributed throughout Newcastle and the Hunter.

In a deal to share printing resources struck between publishing giants Fairfax and News Corp Australia, printing of the Herald, and its sister Hunter Region publications, including The Maitland Mercury, Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Star and Port Stephens Examiner, would shift to Fairfax’s print site at North Richmond, north-west of Sydney.

In an announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange and briefings to affected staff yesterday morning, Fairfax said Beresfield’s closure was part of a “rational approach to the complex issues facing the industry”.

Fairfax chief executive Greg Hywood said the company’s agreements with News Corp and the rationalisation of printing assets – which also included the closure of the Fairfax press at Ormiston in Queensland – would result in an annualised full-year benefit of around $15 million and would enable Fairfax to “produce newspapers well into the future”.

“The printing arrangements make the production of newspapers more efficient for both publishers,” he said.

Mr Hywood said the changes were “landmark initiatives” that better utilised existing print assets.

While rumours about such a move had circulated “for some time”, the announcement still came as a shock, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) said.

“We were blindsided by the announcement,” the union’s printing division national secretary Lorraine Cassin said. “Our members will be angry about this decision, many having had years of loyal service.”

Ms Cassin said the AMWU had concerns for the workers’ futures.

“Fairfax Media has indicated all affected employees will be paid their full entitlements but we know that these closures will hit hard and we will be working with the company to identify redeployment opportunities,” Ms Cassin said.

“We urge the company to recognise that its highly skilled printers have given loyal service to the newspaper industry over many years.”

Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the decision was not only devastating for the 70 workers affected and their families, but also went against recent economic data indicating Newcastle and the Hunter were experiencing strong growth.

“At a time when Newcastle and the Hunter Region is starting to really boom in terms of economic growth, jobs growth and investment, Fairfax’s decision to close their regional printers at Beresfield is counter-intuitive,” she said.

“I strongly encourage Fairfax to reconsider this decision because our local paper should be printed right here in Newcastle.”

NSW Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said it was a sad day for the region.

“Any day that jobs are lost in the Hunter is a sad one and these latest losses are another kick in the guts for the local community,” she said. “The area already has levels of unemployment above the state average and the loss of 70 jobs will have an impact on the local economy.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon echoed Ms Hornery’s concerns, emphasising the importance of regional publishing to the community.

“Regional papers aren’t just another business, they are an integral part of regional communities and play a critical role in reflecting our unique character by telling our local stories,” she said. 

“The absolute core consideration now must be the well-being of employees.

“Fairfax must do the right thing by workers by giving them every opportunity for retraining or redeployment before forcing any redundancies.”

The University of Newcastle's student publication Opus prints its monthly, 24-page newspaper at the Beresfield press site. 

Editor Luci Regan said the newspaper, established in 1954, has had a long relationship with the Fairfax-operated press. Luci said the advantage of using the Beresfield press was its “proximity”.

“It will probably mean a longer production process,” Luci said. “It's unfortunate there are so few press sites left in the state.”

Mr Hywood said yesterday the company was committed to meeting all employment obligations.

“From today we are consulting with staff at our printing centres affected by the new arrangements,” he said. “Fairfax is committed to providing comprehensive assistance and support, and will meet all our employment obligations.”

Fairfax said there would be no change to the availability of any newspapers currently printed at Beresfield and redeployment of affected staff was being considered.

The Herald’s weekday and Saturday editions would continue to be sold at newsagents and other retail outlets around Newcastle and the Hunter, and continue to be home-delivered to subscribers.

The changes would not affect the Herald’s commercial and editorial staff, who operate from the masthead’s headquarters at 28 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle.

The newspaper’s editors and journalists have been based at Honeysuckle, writing and producing the print editions and the website theherald.com.au, since 2015.

Printing of the Herald shifted from printing presses in Bolton Street, Newcastle, to the purpose-built, $20 million Beresfield plant in 1998. The Herald’s editorial and sales staff moved from Bolton Street to the Honeysuckle offices three years ago.

The Herald traces its heritage back to The Newcastle Chronicle and Hunter River District News, which was launched in 1858 – a time when many locals could neither read nor write. 

In 1876, the Chronicle was incorporated into The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate. 

The Herald operated for half a century out of the same Bolton Street building originally occupied by the  Chronicle.

It was demolished in 1929 to make way for the sandstone facade building that housed the Herald until late 2015.

Read more: The Herald’s move to Honeysuckle