The former NSW tourism minister said he understood better than most the ‘‘tourism bonanza’’ an airport would bring, and was frustrated by the lack of momentum the proposal had built up in the region.

‘‘All regional leaders should be saying very loudly and clearly that we want Wilton as the second airport for Sydney,’’ he said.

‘‘There should be no equivocation; we have an opportunity that has been provided to us. We need to grab it with both hands.’’

Asked about potential noise impacts for residents, he said: ‘‘You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs’’.

A major report released in March listed Wilton as second only to south-western Sydney’s Badgerys Creek as the best option for a second Sydney airport.

Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to sidestep the backlash from residents around Badgerys Creek by promoting Wilton as his preferred site.

This week, Mr Brown called on Illawarra politicians, including his own former parliamentary colleagues, to get behind the Wilton proposal.

‘‘I would encourage local MPs to back this plan because we need the jobs and infrastructure.’’

Business groups have offered cautious support so far, while the region’s Liberal representatives have fallen in behind Premier Barry O’Farrell in opposing the Wilton site.

Mr O’Farrell has resisted the Wilton option in line with an election commitment to oppose a second airport in the Sydney basin.

Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell and Wollondilly Mayor Colin Mitchell have backed Mr O’Farrell’s stance, pledging their opposition to the proposal.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has said the State Government needs to take heed of the views of residents who would be affected by noise.

Fellow Liberal Heathcote MP Lee Evans has said he is opposed to the airport in principle, but is interested in seeing more detail.

Labor MPs have been equally cautious. Member for Keira Ryan Park said a second Sydney airport was inevitable but doubted Wilton would stack up.