Selected local councils across Australia have welcomed the 12-month fibre optic rollout plan from NBN Co.

Construction on sites announced in the plan will cover more than half a million homes and businesses across Australia when complete.

The national rollout plan names 28 new locations across Australia for 485000 premises, with work commencing between October 2011 and September 2012.

NBN Co CEO, Mike Quigley said regular updates will be published regarding where precisely the NBN is being rolled out and when it will reach each area.

“Public education activity to launch next year will also explain what the rollout will mean for every Australian, how to connect to the network and why it is important that the nation upgrades its telecommunications infrastructure,” Mr Quigley said.

Queensland Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Simon Finn said the state portion of the NBN investment is $9 billion.

Mr Finn said the plan will include an expansion to the Townsville release site, including the CBD, bringing the scheduled number of total premises connected to 40000 in the area.

According to Mr Finn, the announcement means more than 100000 premises in Queensland are now on the 12-month connection schedule.

Ballarat Central is one of four Victorian sites chosen and will begin the next rollout phase in April 2012.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Craig Fletcher said the NBN connection will ensure the city is prepared to meet the demands of population growth in the region.

“We are on the cusp of 100000 residents now and that figure is predicted to grow by 30 per cent in the next couple of decades,” Mr Fletcher said.

According to Mr Fletcher, the NBN will help businesses and industry to raise the amount of jobs available.

Ballarat ICT executive officer, Ian Fry said the fixed wireless program NBN Co is currently rolling out in Ballarat’s surrounding regions ties in with the 12-month plan.

“This will enable businesses to use cloud computing more efficiently [and] to be more efficient in their use of applications and programs,” Mr Fry said.

Tasmanian based town Somerset, which falls under Waratah-Wynyard Council, is one of two locations receiving the connection during this phase.

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said NBN Co indicated the design and construction of the Somerset rollout is planned to take place in May 2012.

“Winter is traditionally a downtime across a number of sectors and I’m sure the employment and activity generated during the physical rollout of the infrastructure will be a welcome boost to the community,” Mr Walsh said.

NSW Central Coast based town Long Jetty is expected to have local registered training organisations assist in addressing gaps in skills and training in the Wyong area.

Wyong Shire Council Mayor, Bob Graham said the connection will boost employment and residents can be trained to deliver the network in Wyong and neighbouring areas for the next decade.

According to Wyong Shire Council, positions sought for the rollout will include labourers, plant operators, road traffic controllers, telecommunications linesworkers, cablers and cable joiners and electrical linesworkers.

Wyong Shire Council chief information officer, Bob Platt said the council collaborated with other Central Coast organisations such as Gosford City Council, Regional Development Australia and other government agencies, community groups, business leaders and local telecommunications companies in lobbying for the early rollout.