But yesterday the south-west's ground-breaking maremma dog trial won Victoria's most prestigious environmental award.

The shaggy white dogs were allowed on Warrnambool's Middle Island four years ago in an attempt to protect its fairy penguin colony, which had dwindled to about four birds.

``I don't mind telling people this but when I first heard about this trial I thought it was a loopy idea,'' said Mr Amor, Warrnambool's Coastcare facilitator.

``I didn't see how it could work. But it certainly has. There were about 100 penguins on Middle Island last year and we are hopeful of more this year.''

Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group and Point Danger Committee of Management won the Australian Government Coastcare category at the Victorian Landcare Awards in Melbourne.

The maremmas were sent to Portland a year after the Warrnambool trial began to protect Point Danger's gannet colony.

Mr Amor said the birds struggled to reproduce, with foxes frequently ravishing the population.

``But this year, thanks to the maremmas, 200 gannets fledged this is the first time a gannet has fledged from this colony,'' he said.

``However, the irony of this project is where we have eradicated one predator another one has moved in.''

The young gannets had become easy prey for the white-breasted sea eagle, Mr Amor said.

``In a way it's contradictory to what we set out to achieve. But the sea eagle is more of a natural predator so we like to think we have re-established the natural balance.

``A sea eagle would kill a few birds in about one or two months.

``The foxes would just come in and decimate the population.''

Mr Amor said it was important the two projects maintained community, corporate and government support.

State Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said the Government was committed to protecting Victoria's natural assets.

``These awards celebrate the extraordinary efforts of ordinary Victorians who through their efforts also motivate others to do the

same,'' he said.

``As Victoria faces the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, the Government is delighted to support such an inspirational community movement.''