Katter backs CoS in Rottnest swim

Bob Katter's chief-of-staff is braving Perth waters as she takes her bid to help struggling farmers across the country.

The Australian Party leader is sponsoring Anne Pleash to compete in Perth's Rottnest Channel Swim on Saturday, with funds going to Aussie Helpers, a charity that supports drought-stricken farmers in Queensland and NSW with practical assistance and also helps them with stress and anxiety.

Ms Pleash said she was hoping to complete the 20km swim from Cottesloe to Rottnest Island in better time than last year.

Elite swimmers are expected to complete the swim in about four hours, with cut-off after 11 hours.

Ms Pleash hopes to finish in about six hours.

"I'm really looking forward to the wind giving me a push this year, as conditions are forecast to be close to perfect," she said.

Mr Katter said he had given Ms Pleash's support crew some advice on how to motivate her during the swim.

"Nothing motivates someone more to swim a bit faster than yelling out 'shark' every once in a while," he joked.

Baited drum lines set 1km offshore under the WA government's controversial `shark mitigation strategy' have been temporarily removed from the event route following requests from concerned competitors.