When South Bank Corporation fired its latest salvo in the ongoing battle against the area's ibis population, it had high hopes.

The often-annoying chip thieves have been a bane of the celebrated riverside precinct's large outdoor dining area for years.

So when the corporation started piping 24 hour bird noises into parkland surrounding restaurants and cafes, it thought it finally had the panacea to keep the birds at bay, which would subsequently attract more diners to the area.

Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect.