A potential $1.2 billion gas pipeline between the Northern Territory and South Australia could be the start of a "nation-building" plan to transport gas from the west coast and finally solve the east coast gas shortage, says former pipeline industry boss Mick McCormack.

The straight-talking former APA Group CEO, newly appointed as a director of NT gas junior Central Petroleum, has called on the government to ensure that its plan to back gas infrastructure is directed at big projects that can solve the problems in the east coast gas market and stimulate jobs and regional development.