Oily water found near reported Qld spill

Authorities have found patches of oily water near where an oil spill was reported off north Queensland.

A water police vessel and an Emergency Management Queensland helicopter reported the one-metre patches and a sheen on the water after a fisherman reported a spill near Cape Upstart, south of Townsville, on Friday morning.

An Australian Maritime Safety Authority aircraft out of Cairns will inspect the ocean and coastline in the area early on Saturday morning. "Maritime Safety Queensland has oil pollution resources and staff on standby if required in Townsville and other ports," a Transport and Main Roads representative said on Friday night.

"Other agencies are also prepared to activate resources."