NEW SOUTH WALES’ peak agricultural body has welcomed the announcement of 80 new four-wheel-drive ambulances.

NSW Farmers health spokeswoman Sarah Thompson said the specially-modified Toyota Landcruiser 200 series ambulances – announced by Health Minister Ryan Park on Tuesday – would give paramedics greater ability to reach patients in difficult terrain throughout regional and remote areas.

“The people who grow our food and fibre and keep our regional communities moving often work in hard-to-reach places,” Mrs Thompson said.

“It’s comforting to know that if something goes wrong, help will be able to get to you.

“This is a common sense move, replacing the old Troop Carrier ambulances with their modern equivalents.”

According to the NSW Government, the new off-road ambulances will be used for rescue and recovery operations in difficult terrain where standard ambulances cannot go.