Koala populations in south-east Queensland are at risk of extinction unless urban development in known habitats is limited, an expert says.

Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles announced on Saturday an expert panel would be appointed in the next month to come up with ways to protect koalas that inhabit areas in and around Brisbane.

Koalas in south-east Queensland are suffering because of urban development.

The announcement followed the release of a University of Queensland report that claimed koalas would likely be extinct in some areas "within a small number of generations".

The report was released in August 2015.