[4] The ecosystem is an example of a coastal non-floodplain sand lake[5] and is characterised by acidic water, nutrient-poor and sandy soil, shrub-like vegetation and wet heathland.

[2] The lake is also of cultural significance to the Aboriginal population of North Stradbroke Island, the Quandamooka people, as they possess a spiritual and physical relationship with the ecosystem.

[4] Geologically, Brown Lake exists on a parabolic beach ridge system that formed during the Quaternary glacial and interglacial cycles of the Pleistocene epoch.

[6] The cold-climate interval of the epoch caused a periodic lower sea level, which exposed the sea-bed of the coastal heathland to strong south-easterly winds that carried and deposited sediment which eventually accumulated to form the dune ridges on which Brown Lake developed.

They occur in sunken landforms (depressions) when an impermeable layer of sand, combined with decomposed organic material, becomes cemented as precipitates of mineral matter fill in pore spaces; transforming sediment into rock.

[13] The taxa of aquatic biota occupying the ecosystem are of conservation significance, as they are representative of rare acid-adapted marine life existing in humic water systems.

[19] Contemporary research revealed that the species' mosquito-repelling ability was no greater than the native marine life that fed on the insect; classifying the fish as a pest.

[19] The introduction of this pest species is impacting the aquatic fauna at Brown Lake through competition and predation; threatening the biodiversity and equilibrium of the ecosystem.

[20][21] The Lepironia articulata, commonly referred to as grey sedge, is a perennial grass-like plant that typically encompasses lake systems; forming a dense and thick swards.

[5] Brown Lake (Bummiera) is of cultural significance to the Indigenous population of North Stradbroke Island, the Quandamooka people, as they possess a spiritual and physical relationship to the ecosystem; engaging with the landscape through ritual activities, beliefs and values which have been passed down and maintained through Law and the Dreaming.

[24] Brown Lake is a popular tourist destination at which a range of recreational activities take place, including picnics, barbecues, camping, boating and swimming.

[5] Tourism is threatening Brown Lake's ecosystem, as the high visitation rates cause nutrification[25] (direct nutrient enrichment) through the infiltration of chemicals in urine, soaps, detergents, shampoos, sunscreen and other human product.

[5][28] The fauna and flora of Brown Lake can be heavily impacted through the raised temperatures, habitat destruction and siltation that occurs during fire processes.