The Rudd Government has announced the first round of regional locations for the $250 million priority rollout of the National Broadband Network.

Announcing the Government’s Regional Backbone Blackspots Program, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said the program would kick-start the first of 25,000 local jobs that will be directly supported by the eight-year National Broadband Network rollout.

The initial priority locations to receive investment are Emerald and Longreach, Queensland; Geraldton, Western Australia; Darwin, Northern Territory; Broken Hill, New South Wales; Victor Harbor, South Australia;South West Gippsland, Victoria.

A competitive tender to construct, operate and maintain the backbone links was called today – with construction expected to begin by September.

"The Government is moving rapidly to deliver the National Broadband Network and will start work on high-speed infrastructure for an initial six priority regional locations," Conroy said.

"This immediate action will result in new high-speed backbone links to stimulate competition and better broadband services in regional Australia.

"Submissions from a wide range of stakeholders have helped the Government identify the first six priority locations for these initial backbone infrastructure investments.

“However, it should be clear that National Broadband Network backbone infrastructure investment will not be limited to these individual locations and routes.

"Subject to the outcome of the first round tender, more locations will be identified later in the year."