Port Stephen The popular Little Beach boat ramp will close from Tuesday 13 July for a $2 million upgrade that will make launching boats from the ramp easier. Mayor Ryan Palmer and Councillor John Nell at the existing Little Beach boat ramp The project has been made possible through a $1.67 million grant from the NSW Government’s Boating Now program and additional funding from Council. Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says the long wait for a better boat ramp is almost over. “Little Beach boat ramp is one of the most popular ramps in the state, and this upgrade can’t come soon enough for many in our community.