Pipe NT gas through SA's outback: SA govt

The South Australian government is backing two bids to connect Northern Territory gas fields to the eastern states through SA's outback.

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has thrown his weight behind two contenders - DDG Operations and Pipeline Consortia Partners Australia - planning to pipe gas from the NT to the eastern states via Moomba, in SA's Cooper Basin.

The NT government last year launched a competitive process calling for private sector proposals to build the North East Gas Interconnector.

Two other contenders plan to pipe the gas to northwest Queensland via Mt Isa.

But Mr Koutsantonis said infrastructure for a southern pipeline route was good to go; whereas, a QLD option would require additional construction.

"The economic benefits of the southern route far outweigh the Queensland option," he said.

"Unlike Queensland, we will not predetermine the decision-making process of the Northern Territory government or prejudge any outcome. We will let the economic facts speak for themselves."