Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham wrote to Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan to investigate new gas pipelines from the Galilee and Northern Bowen basins.

Dr Lynham said the Australian Energy Market Operator had also backed new gas infrastructure in its latest Gas Statement of Opportunities report.

"Australia needs new gas, and Queensland needs more pipelines to get that gas to market," Dr Lynham said. "I'm calling for them to invest in a pipeline. I'm trying again ahead of next week's Budget, but I'm not hopeful."

However Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Dale Last said blaming the Federal Government for gas shortages and price issues in Queensland is the pinnacle of Labor passing the buck.

"Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham is full of hot air when it comes to gas," Mr Last said.

"Labor still hasn't delivered the Gas Supply and Demand Action Plan it promised in 2015."

The Mount Isa pipeline to the east coast (linking with the new NT-Mount Isa pipeline which opened this year) is one of three items on Queensland's list, along with linking that pipeline to new exploration and development in the Galilee Basin and upgrading the pipeline connecting NSW and Victoria to bi‑directional capacity.

That would enable gas from Queensland to reach Melbourne.

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