FASANOC to lodge submission over proposed facility rate hike

The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) is now coordinating a collective submission on behalf of the National Federations (NF).

The submission is on Fiji Sports Council’s (FSC) proposed increase on its facility rates.

Speaking to SUNsports, FASANOC chief executive officer Vanessa Kilner said the submission, which is their response, will handed over to the FSC today.

The proposed increased facility rates was presented to NF representatives by FSC chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure on Monday

“We (sporting stakeholders) were actually informed via FNSC (Fiji National Sports Commission) on Friday (February 13) that there would be a stakeholder consultation at the FSC boardroom on Monday (February 16); no other information was provided,” Kilner told SUNsports.

“Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the meeting as I was travelling to the West.”

However, Kilner understands that the proposed fee structure was presented using an ineligible spreadsheet, with no additional documentation or justification provided to stakeholders.

“Following discussion, it was agreed that the FSC would email the proposed fee structure to all stakeholders, allowing each to respond individually.

“Today (Wednesday), we formally received a letter from the FSC outlining the proposed rates, with a request to respond by Friday. FASANOC will be coordinating a collective submission on behalf of the sporting federations.”

A NF representative told SUNsports on Wednesday that they are faced with a 150% increase.

“I’m hoping we can come up with solutions so that we aren’t feeling the full brunt of the increase. It’s crazy, to be honest,” the executive said.

“Our preliminary review shows that our sport faces a major spike in costs. We had a look, and our increase is around 150 per cent.

“We have one of the highest increases.”

On Tuesday, Basketball Fiji chief operating officer William Peter said all sporting bodies would face major challenges if FSC raises its facility rates.

“From a federation standpoint and I think this was shared by all the national sporting organisations that were present,” he told

SUNsports.

“It’s going to be very difficult for us to use the facilities if there is a rate increase. Right now, as it is, we are already struggling.”

Kilner added: “At this stage, beyond the direct impact on sporting federations—many of whom are already struggling to meet current fees—we must also consider the broader implications for the community and our shared efforts to address NCDs (Non Communicable Diseases) and substance abuse.”