2 April 2025
The Australiana Park Velodrome in Warwick has become a vital training location for 13-year-old rising cycling star Siena Goulding who travels two hours from Brisbane most weekends to train at the Southern Downs facility.
Recently selected for the Queensland team at the 2025 AusCycling Junior Track Nationals, Siena prefers to train at Australiana Park instead of the closer Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane due to its high-quality surface, accessibility, banked design, affordability and safety.
On the back of a dominant performance at the 2025 AusCycling Queensland Junior State Track Cycling Championships in Brisbane where she won seven of the eight gold medals and then later travelled to Sydney securing the title of 2025 U15 Australian Omnium Champion, Siena says having access to the regional velodrome has been a game changer for her weekly training regime.
“The Australiana Park Velodrome has everything I need to train, learn and enjoy cycling in a safe environment,” Siena said.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have unlimited and free access to such a quality facility only two hours from home. We travel to Warwick as often as we can so I can train at the velodrome.
“I hope more kids and cycling enthusiasts take advantage of this amazing facility.”
To advance her cycling career, Siena and her family recently moved to Brisbane from Cairns, where she regularly travelled four hours to train at the Townsville Velodrome.
Following the closure of the Chandler and Caboolture outdoor velodromes and the deterioration of the Toowoomba facility, the Australiana Park Velodrome is one of the last remaining free-to-access outdoor banked velodromes in South East Queensland. The Gold Coast track’s flat design lacks the banking essential for track cycling, and the Anna Meares Velodrome is cost-prohibitive for many young riders.
Siena’s father Clinton Goulding said her recent achievements at the 2025 Queensland State Track Cycling Championships highlight the vital role of regional track cycling infrastructure in developing future champions.
“With the 2032 Brisbane Olympics set to elevate interest in track cycling, the demand for training venues will continue to grow. Athletes require access to training facilities year-round,” Mr Goulding said.
“The Australiana Park Velodrome provides an ideal solution—a regional venue that supports athlete development while also encouraging young riders to take up the sport without the stress of competition.
“Siena’s journey is proof that sporting talent can thrive outside major metropolitan centres provided there are quality facilities to support young athletes in their pursuit of excellence.”
The Australiana Park Velodrome recently underwent track resurfacing and lighting upgrades funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Councillor Sheryl Windle reinforced Council’s enthusiasm for improving infrastructure and increasing outdoor recreational opportunities.
“The recent upgrades to the Australiana Park Velodrome demonstrate our commitment to upgrading local sporting facilities and creating new outdoor spaces for the community,” Councillor Windle said.
“Additionally, the construction of the impressive Learn to Ride Park has further diversified the sporting opportunities available at Australiana Park.”
Councillor Russell Wantling said it was important to provide quality facilities for young athletes to train ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
“Track cycling is an exciting Olympic sport, showcasing the incredible speed, precision and tactical skills of athletes,” Councillor Wantling said.
“Leading into the 2032 Olympics, it’s important for our young athletes to have access to suitable training facilities, and we are very fortunate to have the high-quality Australiana Park Velodrome in the Southern Downs.
“Council will continue to support infrastructure projects that enhance our region’s liveability and promote active and healthy lifestyles.”
Mayor Melissa Hamilton said there are tangible economic benefits in attracting athletes to the Southern Downs as they prepare for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
"The influx of athletes and their families in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics will provide a significant boost to our local economy,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Our region boasts several training-ready facilities including equestrian facilities, a hockey field, football fields and the Australiana Park Velodrome.
“The Southern Downs has an excellent cool climate for training and is well positioned to major hubs to make our region a premier destination for sports training."
Siena recently competed at the Australian National Junior Track Cycling Championships where she set a new national record in the Individual Pursuit 2000m with a time of 2:35:982, breaking the existing record by three seconds. This is the fastest 2000m ever ridden by an under-15 female and makes Siena the 2025 Australian National U15 Women's Champion for the Individual Pursuit.
Last edited date 02 Apr 2025