The scheme was established to support irrigation in sugar, dairy and horticulture sectors following construction of Borumba Dam in 1964. The Scheme includes the ponded area of Borumba Dam and stretches downstream along Yabba Creek for 31 kilometres, then downstream along the Mary River for a further 142 kilometres to the end of the scheme west of Tiaro. Pie Creek is a diversion system consisting of 4.5 kilometres of channel and 6.8 kilometres of pipeline to divert water from the Mary River, via the Pie Creek Pump Station, into Pie Creek, McIntosh Creek and Callico Creek.