Oil spill emergency in Brisbane

A huge oil spill has flooded wetlands on Brisbane's outskirts, threatening contamination of the city's river system.

Authorities estimate up to 2.5 million litres leaked from a ruptured underground pipeline at Lytton on Monday, tainting several hectares.

Police closed off streets and evacuated the industrial riverside area as hazardous chemical experts and emergency teams were called in.

Andrew Brewer, manager of the nearby Caltex refinery, said the oil was on its way to the Santos refinery which operates the pipeline.