His appointment follows the departure of coal industry veteran Ross McKinnon who elected not to seek an extension of his contract beyond the end of 2004.

Bennetts’ most recent responsibility was managing the Queensland Government owned BioStart and teQstart programs in the position of manager and company secretary of teQstart.

“His extensive experience and success in managing projects, guiding policy on research, development and demonstration, and marketing and mentoring innovators will bring a valuable background to ACARP,” said ACRL chairman Bob Cameron.

An extensive recruitment process was undertaken by a panel of Board Members culminating in a recommendation for his appointment.

Cameron paid credit to McKinnon who played an important role in lifting ACARP’s overall performance during the six years he lead the ACARP program. He is credited with implementing a new management structure and ensuring a new focus for the program.

McKinnon leaves the program in a healthy state - the ACARP program is likely to be extended for a further five year from June 2005 and several important new collaborative arrangements have been put in place.

McKinnon's colleagues at the ACARP Brisbane office paid him a tribute saying his honest forthright style and boundless energy had revitalised the program.