Controlling the destruction of koala habitat is the key issue for Queensland's new Koala Advisory Council, new chairman Mark Townend said at Australia Zoo on Thursday.

Mr Townend was asked about a large residential development application nearby to clear more than 2000 hectares of bushland land - including koala habitat - that is still being assessed by Moreton Bay Regional Council, despite State Planning Minister Cameron Dick saying "no" in writing last month.

Mark Townend at the launch of the Koala Advisory Council at Australia Zoo on Thursday. Credit:Ben Beaden

"There is no doubt habitat destruction is the number one problem we are going to face," Mr Townend said.

"But I think that is where the planning laws are going to have to be looked at," he said, standing beside Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch.