A close-up of a greenish-yellow orchid flower spike with pointed petals and reddish tips, set against a blurred grassy background, symbolizes resilience and beauty—qualities often celebrated in disability support communities.
A Gang-gang Cockatoo with a bright red head and crest and grey body perches on a tree branch, surrounded by dense green foliage—an inspiring sight often enjoyed on disability support nature outings.
Close-up of salt-tolerant plant branches with small, clustered leaves, symbolizing resilience—much like disability support—in a blurred background of flat, open landscape under a blue sky.
A lush forest scene with tall eucalyptus trees, green foliage, and a bright blue sky scattered with clouds overhead—an inviting setting that promotes accessibility and disability support for all who wish to enjoy nature's beauty.

Who We Are

Ascent Ecology is a specialist environmental consultancy delivering high-quality ecological services across regional and rural Australia. Our team is made up of ecologists, environmental scientists, GIS experts and land managers who live and work in regional Australia.

We bring together scientific rigour, practical insight, and a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. Whether supporting infrastructure, renewables, or urban development, we’re committed to delivering outcomes that are responsive, regulator-ready, and grounded in local context. Clients trust us for fast mobilisation, quality reporting, and professional advice that is timely and cost effective.   

Team photo

We offer transparent advice and never greenwash outcomes—clients trust us to provide straight answers backed by evidence.

We prioritise regional projects, people and environments.

Our deep understanding of policy and process helps avoid costly delays and unnecessary offset burdens.

We integrate seamlessly into multidisciplinary teams, delivering cost effective, quality work.

Two men wearing orange work shirts and wide-brimmed hats sit outdoors in a forested area, smiling at the camera. Involved in disability support, one holds a small plant as they enjoy nature among tall trees and green foliage.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver cost effective ecological services that meet the highest standards of technical accuracy, responsiveness, and integrity. We live and work in regional areas, bringing local knowledge, regulatory insight, and practical field expertise to every job. By partnering closely with clients, we help reduce project risks, accelerate approvals, and deliver lasting environmental value. No matter what the project, we aim to make ecology accessible, actionable, and effective across every stage of planning and delivery. 

Our Expertise

We deliver technical rigour without the red tape. Our team includes ecologists, environmental scientists, GIS experts and land managers with deep experience across planning, approvals, offsetting, and ecological fieldwork. From regional council to major infrastructure projects, we know how to meet compliance requirements while offering practical, responsive advice. Our people understand the terrain, the regulators, and the realities of on-ground delivery—bringing science, strategy, and common sense together to support projects across NSW and QLD. 

Sunrise viewed through tall trees, with the sun peeking over distant mountains and valleys. The sky is tinged with warm shades of orange and yellow, as silhouettes of trees frame a landscape that inspires hope and inclusion in disability support.

Our Management

Ascent Ecology is led by a senior team with deep project experience, technical oversight and commercial maturity. Our leadership is hands-on and client-facing—ensuring consistency from proposal through to delivery, with clear accountability and a responsive, professional service approach.

Damian Licari

Director

As a PhD qualified ecologist, Damian has more than 15 years of experience working in industry, government, and research sectors. With a varied background in several industries including finance and advertising, Damian brings a fresh and unique perspective to environmental consulting.

As a BAM Accredited Assessor, Damian assists clients with understanding and complying with the latest legislative frameworks. Currently, Damian is the technical lead on the BAM Accredited Assessor Training Program for the DPIE, positioning him at the forefront of the latest information and science, and as a clear subject matter expert for biodiversity and environmental legislation. Damian is passionate about enabling other ecologists to provide quality, detailed and up to date information for their clients. 

Based in the Northern Rivers, Damian is also heavily involved with the Orchid Society, and spends his spare time propagating hundreds of prize-winning hybrid species of orchids in his private greenhouse.